These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Kovacic’s future still undecided

According to Goal.com, Chelsea have less than a week to make a decision on the future of Mateo Kovacic with the Real Madrid midfielder unsure of where he will be playing his football next season.

While the Blues are unable to sign new players because of the transfer ban, the Croatian could reportedly extend his stay as he is still registered as a Chelsea player until the end of the month.

‘Having spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Stamford Bridge, Kovacic could see that deal extended or be signed permanently by the Blues before 1 July,’ states the report.

‘The 25-year-old is yet to hear from the west London outfit, however, and despite having signalled that he would wish to stay in the English capital he has been left in limbo following the coaching upheaval within Chelsea.’

The report adds that Maurizio Sarri was keen to keep Kovacic at the club, but the Italian coach's departure to Juventus makes his future at the club less clear.

Kovacic has also reportedly been deemed surplus to requirement at his parent club Real Madrid, but Italian sides AC Milan and Inter Milan have been linked with the Croatian.

Derby want to sort out Lampard future

The Telegraph is reporting Derby County are anxious to resolve the future of manager Frank Lampard by this week with the Chelsea legend heavily tipped to take over as head coach of Chelsea.

Having led the Rams to the Championship play-off final, the 41-year-old has been strongly linked with a return to Stamford Bridge to succeed Maurizio Sarri as head coach, although Derby have indicated that no official approach has been made by the Blues.

‘Chelsea are aiming to make progress on appointing a new head coach this week, but Derby have been left in limbo while they wait,’ states the Telegraph.

‘Derby return to pre-season training next Monday and do not want Lampard’s future to overshadow their preparations for the new season.

‘Derby are concerned they will miss out on loan and permanent signings if the situation drags on much longer with players reluctant to sign contracts without knowing whether or not Lampard will be in charge.

‘The club have been approached by intermediaries pushing potential replacements for Lampard at them, but Derby cannot make any moves before they hear from Chelsea.’

The report adds that Chelsea would have to pay Derby around £4million in compensation for Lampard, who would be likely to bring assistant coach Jody Morris and fitness coach Chris Jones back to the Bridge with him if he accepts a deal.

Fans want Pulisic to be new Chelsea No.10

According to The Sun, Chelsea fans are calling for Eden Hazard's No.10 shirt to be given to new signing Christian Pulisic after his stunning performance for the United States in their 6-0 demolition of Trinidad and Tobago at the Gold Cup last weekend.

The 20-year-old, who was signed by the Blues in January from Borussia Dortmund before going on loan to the Bundesliga side for the rest of the season, normally wore the 22 shirt while playing for the German club.

However, he usually dons No.10 for the US and wore that number in the big win against Trinidad and Tobago when he scored a goal and set up two others.

And with the shirt number vacant after Hazard’s departure, Chelsea fans are tipping the American as the player to succeed the Belgian.

One Chelsea fan wrote: ‘What's wrong with Pulisic Getting number 10?!’

Another added: ‘Just waiting for his squad number to be released...’

And a third said: ‘Chelsea should give this guy the number 10. Watch the way he plays, he has elite mentality to carry a team on his back, I just pray he does not get injured.’