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

James takes lead in fund-raising campaign

The Evening Standard reports Reece James has teamed up with four other Premier League players to spearhead an initiative to aid local communities in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis.

The Chelsea right-back joined Arsenal's Hector Bellerin, Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Crystal Palace's Andros Townsend and Bournemouth's Callum Wilson to launch Football United, which aims to raise £100,000 for the National Emergencies Trust, in order to support the elderly and vulnerable people impacted by the virus

James outlined his support in a posting on his Instagram account.

‘In difficult times let's unite and support local charities and communities who need our help the most right now. I am donating to the @national_emergencies_trust as part of the #FootballUnited campaign,’ he wrote.

A statement on behalf of the players read: ‘Football has such a big role to play in communities and our clubs are a huge part of people's lives.

‘Without football, we want to put our rivalries aside and show togetherness at such a critical moment for the country. These are uncertain times for communities, but as players we want to show some recognition for the incredible work that is being done for the most vulnerable.

‘There are so many people at home who are afraid, alone and without full-time care. With the nation's help, we can show our support to the many volunteers and organisations who need funds to make sure vital food and medicine supplies will continue to be delivered during the crisis.

‘As players, we would love nothing more than to be out there playing in front of packed stadiums again, but that can wait - the most important thing right now is the future of the country and #FootballUnited is our way of showing some community spirit.’

New contract not a priority for Pedro

Pedro has told a Spanish radio station he is not thinking about his current contract situation at Chelsea as he is more concerned with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in his homeland, Sky Sports reports.

The 32-year-old’s deal with the Blues runs out at the end of the season but in his interview with Cadena Ser, he admitted it was not a pressing matter for him.

‘My contract is up, but that's not the most important thing right now. I haven't even thought about it. My future will be resolved in due course,’ he said.

‘The most important thing is for everyone to show solidarity. Whatever happens regarding my future will happen, but right now it's not important as we don't even know when we will return to training.

‘We have been in quarantine because one of our players (Callum Hudson-Odoi) tested positive for coronavirus. He is now well and we are very happy for him.’

Emerson slams ‘fake’ reports

Emerson has taken to Instagram to strongly refute speculation he has fallen out with Frank Lampard over his training methods.

A number of reports this week have suggested the full-back is unhappy with Lampard’s ‘controlling style’, with Tuttosport stating the Italy international views the Chelsea boss as a ‘sergeant’.

Emerson responded by displaying screenshots of some of the reports on his Instagram account, labelling each of them as ‘fake’.

He then added a statement which read: ‘The world is going through a really difficult moment and there are journalists who want to spread fake news around to have content.

‘I don’t speak too much, but here is my only and last statement regarding these news. I never said that and I think definitely the opposite of what was mentioned (without my knowledge).

‘Respect and gratitude always. Enjoy your family.’