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

Berhalter hints at central role for Pulisic

United States head coach Gregg Berhalter has indicated to ESPN.com that he plans to use Christian Pulisic in a central role as he prepares his team for the defence of their Gold Cup title.

The 20-year-old, who signed for Chelsea in January and is set to join the Blues for pre-season training after the Gold Cup, is usually deployed as a winger but Berhalter feels that he may be more effective for his team in a central position.

‘Our process is working with the players, seeing their strengths and adapting to it,’ explained Berhalter, who took charge of the US national team last December.

‘Christian is a great example. People are asking, "is he going to be wide? Is he going to be central?"

‘My idea is that he'll play central but move wide sometimes. We want him in between the lines, being able to attack players, go at players, and then help other people get goalscoring opportunities. We think he can do it from a central position better.

‘We know he has one-on-one ability out wide, so that's in the back of our minds already. Now it's just gathering information and saying, "Let's work with these guys. Let's see exactly everything they have. Let them form us a little bit."

‘The product of that I think will be much better.’

The tournament kicks off this weekend with the US playing their opening match against Guyana in Saint Paul next Tuesday.

Kovacic tipped for Inter move

Citing a report by Italian sports paper Tuttosport, the Daily Mail is tipping Mateo Kovacic to return to his former club Inter Milan after the end of his loan spell at Chelsea.

The Croatian left Inter to join Real Madrid in 2015 and was sent out on loan at the start of last season to Chelsea where he made 51 appearances in all competitions.

However, the report suggests that the Blues are not interested in making the move permanent, which has opened the door for his possible return to the San Siro.

‘He has an option to buy in his loan deal from Real Madrid, but Chelsea are not expected to take that up, and Real Madrid cannot guarantee him playing time next season,’ states the Mail.

‘With that in mind, Tuttosport report that Inter Milan want to take advantage of the situation and bring him back to Serie A.

‘New coach Antonio Conte is said to be keen to work with the 25-year-old midfielder, and any move would likely be another loan with an option to buy at the end of it.’

Robins look to retain Kalas

Goal.com is reporting that Bristol City are looking to complete the permanent signing of Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas after a successful loan spell at Ashton Gate last season.

The Czech Republic centre-back, who has been on loan at six clubs since 2010, appeared in 38 league games for the Robins last season as they finished in eighth place, just four points out of a spot in the play-offs.

According to the report, City manager Lee Johnson is targeting up to seven signings as he looks to get the club into the top flight for the first time since 1980.

Kalas, 26, has been on international duty with the Czech national team and after their 3-0 win over Montenegro this week, posted a cryptic message about his future on Instagram.

‘Now it is time to relax and after that back to business and where? Who knows,’ he wrote.