Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Man United’s N’Golo Kante talks, Declan Rice and PSG’s Jorginho enquiry
As well as talks to sign Rice from West Ham, the Blues need to sell to thin down their squad
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Chelsea remain active in the transfer market despite spending over £200m - while Declan Rice from West Ham remains a key target for Frank Lampard, one of the priorities left is to thin down the squad with many players unable to gain minutes this season after the recent spending spree.
One player they will not want to sacrifice in that process is midfielder N’Golo Kante with Premier League rivals Manchester United thought to be keen. The Red Devils have made contact over the France international, while there could be other exits and additions to the Blues midfield.
Paris Saint-Germain have signalled their interest in Jorginho to the west London club, with the French champions keen to pick up the Italy international on a loan deal. Should either Kante or Jorginho go, that will surely lead Lampard to push harder for a move for West Ham’s Rice, but Hammers assistant coach Alan Irvine said on Monday night that the England international is “extremely happy” where he is. Follow all the latest news, rumours and deals below.
RUDIGER MOST LIKELY CENTRE-BACK TO LEAVE CHELSEA
Antonio Rudiger is the Chelsea defender most likely to be shipped out between now and October 5, claim football.london.
Frank Lampard currently has five centre-backs in his first team following the arrival of Thiago Silva from PSG.
Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori have both been linked with Everton, but it is Rudiger whose future looks to be in most doubt.
The 27-year-old is believed to be a target for West Ham and could leave on loan.
RICE ‘ABSOLUTELY’ STAYING AT WEST HAM
West Ham assistant manager Alan Irvine has insisted that Declan Rice will still be at the club beyond the close of the transfer window.
The England international has been linked with a return to Chelsea, who are believed to be readying a £40m bid.
But Irvine has claimed Rice is going nowhere.
“Oh absolutely,” he said when asked if Rice is set to stay put. "Declan is extremely happy at the club, he’s obviously been captain today [against Wolves] in Mark’s absence.
"And you see the way the lad’s playing that he’s certainly not someone who has other things on his mind. He trains brilliantly every day.”
BLUES STILL HAVE OWNERSHIP OF FORMER CHELSEA MAN’S NAME
Chelsea still have ownership of Jose Mourinho’s name for another five years, according to The Athletic.
The Portuguese had his name trademarked by the Blues following his arrival from Porto in 2004, such was his marketability.
It means that, legally, Tottenham cannot put their manager’s image on merchandise, though Chelsea have never enforced the trademark.
JORGINHO MOVE COULD BE ‘DIFFICULT' FOR CHELSEA
Chelsea will not allow Jorginho to leave the club if it leaves them short of options in midfield, according to football.london.
The midfielder has been linked with a move to Arsenal, while PSG are also believed to be interested.
But he is unlikely to be sold unless the Blues bring in another midfielder, or if the Italy international pushes for a transfer.
LAMPARD ADMITS CHELSEA NEED TO ‘WORK THROUGH’ LANGUAGE BARRIER WITH NEW SIGNING
Frank Lampard has acknowledged the need for Thiago Silva to learn English following his arrival at Chelsea this summer.
The former PSG defender made his Premier League debut against West Brom on Saturday and struggled, withdrawn in the 73rd minute having made a costly error in the first half.
“I am not sure how relative it was today but he doesn't speak the language very well,” Lampard said.
"It is something that we will work through because it is what it is.
“He hasn't had any time. Thiago turns up here pretty fresh and he is in and around us. He will learn it quickly.”
INTER CHIEF RULES OUT KANTE MOVE
Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has dismissed claims that the Serie A club are looking to sign N’Golo Kante.
The Chelsea midfielder has been linked with a switch to Inter, where former Blues boss Antonio Conte is head coach.
But Ausilio has insisted that the Nerazzurri are happy with what they’ve got.
“Kante is an important part of Chelsea, I don't think he will be up for sale,” he told DAZN.
“We have eight important central midfielders, we will begin and move forward with them.”
HOW SILVA’S FREAKISH ERROR COULD DEFINE LAMPARD’S CHELSEA
How Silva’s freakish error could define Lampard’s Chelsea
Chelsea have now conceded 60 league goals in 41 league games under Frank Lampard
VILLA MORE LIKELY TO SIGN LOFTUS-CHEEK THAN BARKLEY
Aston Villa are interested in Chelsea midfielders Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley, but are more likely to sign the former.
That is according to the Express & Star, who claim the Villans want to bring in one of the two players on loan.
Manager Dean Smith is searching for midfield reinforcements before the close of the transfer window, and Loftus-Cheek is likely to find himself on the periphery of Chelsea’s squad.
LAMPARD PRAISES HUDSON-ODOI AMID TRANSFER SPECULATION
Frank Lampard hailed the performance of Callum Hudson-Odoi in Saturday’s draw at West Brom.
The 19-year-old, who has been linked with an exit before the close of the transfer window, came off the bench to score and help his side to a second-half comeback.
“Callum gave us everything that I wanted,” said Lampard.
“He gets his goal from giving us something different and that’s what he needs to do because that’s the impact he can have for us.
“It has to be consistent but he’s given himself a great platform to continue in that vein because he’ll be very important for us if he does.”
BLUES PREPARING £40M BID FOR RICE
Chelsea are readying a £40m bid for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, claim the Sun.
The Hammers, who have insisted the 21-year-old is not for sale, could now be more open to offers as they look to raise funds to strengthen their squad.
West Ham are also reportedly interested in Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who could be included as part of a deal.
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