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

Newcastle ‘open talks’ for Hazard

The Sun is speculating that Newcastle United want to sign former Chelsea star Eden Hazard this summer.

The Magpies are expected to sign a number of high-profile players ahead of next season, if Eddie Howe ensures their Premier League safety.

One player that could be set for a return to the Premier League is Hazard, with media speculation from Spain and the UK linking the Belgian with a switch to St James’ Park.

‘Newcastle have reportedly opened talks over a Premier League return for Eden Hazard,’ the report states.

'Defensa Central claims Real Madrid are ready to offload the ex-Chelsea star, 31, following a tough spell in Spain.

‘Numerous injuries have limited Hazard to just 65 games in almost three seasons, with the Belgian only scoring six times.

‘But mega-rich Toon are ready to give Hazard a fresh start back in England’s top flight.

‘The winger won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

‘And he was also crowned Premier League Player of the Season during the 2014/15 campaign.

‘Newcastle are looking to boost their profile in the summer market after five wins in their last six matches took them seven points clear of the drop zone.’

Murphy backs Blues for success

Danny Murphy believes ‘there is nobody’ other than Chelsea capable of challenging Manchester City or Liverpool to the Premier League title.

City and the Reds have dominated in recent years but with Thomas Tuchel at the helm for Chelsea, Talksport pundit Murphy feels we could topple them in seasons to come.

‘Three out of the last four years, including this one, those two (City and Liverpool) have been relentless for their levels of performance, the points tally, the goals scored. I think they’ve pushed each other,’ Murphy said on TalkSport

‘I would suggest that in the next two years there’s nobody, other than Chelsea, that can break these two. And I only say that because of Chelsea’s clout financially but that could change.

‘So, at the moment, these two are way ahead because if the new ownership model isn’t prepared to just spend willy nilly, irrelevant of fair play, they’re (Chelsea) not going to be able to compete because Liverpool and City’s firepower is greater than anyone else’s.’

High praise for James from former Premier League boss

Former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic labelled Reece James as ‘unbelievable’ when speaking to Premier League Productions.

The Croatian, who also managed West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League, watched over our win over Burnley where James marked his return to the starting line-up with a goal and an assist in our 4-0 win.

‘Reece James from Chelsea, he scored against Burnley and he is always in those (attacking) positions. He is unbelievable,’ said Bilic.

‘Marcos Alonso and Ben Chilwell, they are always in those positions. But they have three at the back.

‘Chelsea then have Kante, Kovacic or Jorginho and most of the time, they are behind the ball. These guys are unbelievable.’