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

Pulisic has a ‘bright future’ at Chelsea: US head coach

Christian Pulisic was unable to help the United States retain the Gold Cup on Sunday but US head coach Gregg Berhalter is predicting great things for the 20-year-old as he prepares to join up with Chelsea for pre-season.

Pulisic was one of the stars of the tournament and Berhalter gave a glowing assessment of the youngster, who scored three goals and captained the team in a 1-0 win over Curacao in the quarter-finals.

‘What we see with Christian is just how dynamic he is with the ball. He just accelerates past opponents and forces defenders into mistakes,’ said Berhalter, as reported by the Daily Mail.

‘He then opens up the game for the team. What I particularly like about Christian is his ability to take on information and act on it.

‘He has the ability to influence the game from different positions and can unlock defences whether as a No 10 or going wide. With the coaching he’ll get in England, he has an incredibly bright future.’

Berhalter’s view was backed up by US midfielder Cristian Roldan, who feels Pulisic has the right personality to succeed in English football.

‘There’s a reason he’s going to the Premier League,’ said Roldan. ‘He not only has quality but also humility. He’s a fantastic guy off the pitch.

‘He’s still a kid but the fact that he bonds with us over the slightest thing is incredible. He doesn’t act like a big star.

‘[Eden] Hazard’s shoes are pretty big to fill but Christian is a similar player whereby he likes the ball to feet and cuts in. He’s very smart.’

Palace interested in signing James

According to the Sun, Crystal Palace are keen to bring in Reece James to replace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has left the Eagles for Manchester United.

While James is currently recovering from injury, Palace have reportedly made him their first choice to replace Wan-Bissaka and seem prepared to wait on the 19-year-old, who was named in the Championship Team of the Season after impressing on loan at Wigan in 2018/19.

‘The right-back is expected to be fit by late August after picking up an ankle injury with England Under-20s [at the Toulon Tournament last month],’ stated the Sun.

‘Palace would take him on loan or full-time in one of the next two transfer windows.’

Ashley Cole linked with Chelsea return

The Mirror is suggesting Ashley Cole could be set for a return to Chelsea in a coaching capacity following the appointment of Frank Lampard as our new head coach.

With the pair working together at Derby County in the second half of last season, the report suggests Lampard would be willing to work again with his former Chelsea team-mate, whose future is unclear after his departure from Pride Park.

‘Cole has been released by Derby and could be in line for a role under Lampard, who was hugely impressed at the ¬38-year-old’s contribution on and off the pitch,’ states the Mirror.

Using quotes he made while he was Derby manager, the paper suggested Lampard would be interested in bringing Cole aboard at Stamford Bridge.

‘First of all, I needed him as a player at Derby. And then there’s the extra stuff in terms of what he brings as a professional,’ said Lampard at the time.

‘Ash is great for the group. He was always first in at training, friendly with everyone and humble, even though he was the best left-back in the world for a long period.’