In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, Ross Barkley and Mason Mount earn rave reviews after our pre-season victory at Reading, Tiemoue Bakayoko is being linked with a move to Everton and there is reported interest in Gary Cahill from a Turkish club.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Barkley and Mount impress in win at Reading
Ross Bentley and Mason Mount made a positive impression on the media after the England midfielders played starring roles in Chelsea’s pre-season victory at Reading on Sunday.Barkley started in an attacking midfield role in the first half and converted a magnificent free-kick, while Mount replaced him after the break and scored twice in three minutes as both players staked their claims to starting roles in Frank Lampard’s side.Reporting on the game, the Sun awarded both players ratings of 9 out of 10 for their performances.‘Man of the match in the first half,’ said the paper of Barkley.‘He created chances, scored a worldie from a free-kick and felt very comfortable on the ball. Looks more and more like Lampard's leader in the midfield.’‘What a cameo for the youngster,’ it added about Mount‘The youngster has once again shown he is ready to make an impact at Stamford Bridge next season.’Meanwhile, the Daily Mail stated ‘the future is bright’ for the Blues after the encouraging displays by the pair, but suggested Lampard could have a selection issue if forced to choose one over the other.‘Lampard has made it clear he has faith in 20-year-old Mount, who sparkled while with him on loan at Derby last season, considers him part of the first-team squad and will offer him chances once the season opens,’ stated the paper..‘At Reading, however, there were starting opportunities for those who featured less in Japan and it was Barkley who made the strongest case.
‘Mount cannot offer the physical presence of Barkley but he is bright and inventive and also capable of scoring as he proved at the Madjeski Stadium.’
Bakayoko linked with Toffees move
While Tiemoue Bakayoko’s prospective move to Paris Saint-Germain appears to have fallen through, the Daily Mail suggests Everton could be a potential destination for the French midfielder for the upcoming season.
PSG’s interest in signing the 24-year-old appears to have cooled off with the French side poised to sign Idrissa Gueye from Everton.
However, it appears the Toffees could look to replace the Senegal international midfielder with Bakayoko.
‘With Lampard restricted to 17 overseas players in Chelsea's Premier League squad, he has decided that Bakayoko can be sacrificed with Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Ross Barkley and N'Golo Kante better options in midfield,’ states the Mail.
‘Everton could move for the £40million Frenchman as a replacement for Idrissa Gueye. Gueye, who was given time off to visit family in Senegal following the African Cup of Nations, is expected to seal a move to PSG once he returns to Europe.’
Cahill wanted by Turkish giants
The Sun reports Turkish giants Galatasaray are interested in signing Gary Cahill and are looking to enlist the help of Didier Drogba to convince the former Chelsea captain to move to Istanbul.
The 33-year-old centre-back became a free agent at the start of the month after being released by the Blues and he has been linked with a number of clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
While it is believed Cahill would prefer to join an English club, the report suggests the lure of Champions League football, a good salary and the endorsement of a Chelsea legend could persuade him to move abroad.
‘[Cahill] left Chelsea this summer and the Turkish giants are among suitors who want him on a free,’ states the Sun.
‘Drogba spent a year in Istanbul and his old club hope he can talk his former Blues team-mate into finishing his career at a Champions League club.
‘They will be able to offer bigger wages than the Championship clubs who are chasing Cahill.’