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

Rice reportedly keen on move

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is still interested in a move to Stamford Bridge in January.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano detailed the issues that can come into play for Rice to make the switch.

‘Rice is still pushing to join Chelsea. But it is up to Chelsea to negotiate a fee with West Ham which will be hard in January,’ Romano said.

Rice played in the Chelsea Academy alongside Mason Mount but was released at 14. With over 100 Premier League appearances and captain of his side, he has shown his quality.

Rice can play centre-back or midfield and recently cited N’Golo Kante as one of the players he watches.

‘The main one I’ve always watched is Kante in my position,’ he said. ‘The way he protects the back four, the way he intercepts, always in position. I think I’m fairly good at that but there are still things I can do to take me to the next level.’

Thiago Silva details Paris Saint-Germain departure

Thiago Silva’s influence on this Blues side has been paramount since he arrived from Paris Saint-Germain.

At 36 years old, he has brought the experience he has acquired and shared it with the young crop of Chelsea defenders at the club.

The Brazilian arrived on a free from Paris Saint-Germain and revealed the reason for his departure from last season’s Champions League finalists.

‘At the beginning, there was no offer to renew my contract,’ he said to Canal+. ‘Leonardo (sporting director) called me and told me I wasn’t part of the club’s project and said I could leave.

‘After the Champions League final, he called me back and asked me if I had signed with another club. I said no, but I had given my word to Chelsea.’

Frank Lampard was looking for defensive reinforcements in the summer and Thiago Silva’s availability made it a no brainer to bring him to Stamford Bridge. The underappreciation in Paris for what he provided for them in eight years is what hurt him.

‘You can’t change your mind like that. And I think they changed their mind after the Champions League because I showed my quality.

‘What saddens me, is that I spent eight years there and I was judged on the last three games.

‘It’s sad to make a decision like that, but its football. That’s how it is. Now I have to look forward and keep working for Chelsea. It’s a club that deserves it.’

Green believes Giroud is irreplaceable

Former Blues goalkeeper Rob Green believes it is important that Olivier Giroud does not leave the club in January.

According to Green, the Frenchman is irreplaceable and still has a lot to offer Frank Lampard even at 34 years old.

‘As long as he wants to be there, he should be there I think,’ Green told Stadium Echo.

‘He is still scoring goals and still motivated massively,’ he said. ‘I was with him last season and speaking to him then he was talking about playing in the Euros for France.’

So far, his name in the France squad is warranted as he has been on form this season. He has eight goals in five starts and was also on target against Wolves. Green believes the striker is prepared to work hard because he still has goals he wants to achieve.

‘Getting that trophy, he hasn’t got so far, the trophy of the European Championship and getting into the top ranking of the goalscoring in France as well.

‘So, the hunger and drive is still there. He wants to do it.’