11.30am Chelsea transfer news: Benitez linked with shock return, Sarri wants Higuain and Emerson with him at Juve, Atletico eye Alonso

But with their transfer ban still standing and the position of Maurizio Sarri yet to be decided, the Blues face an anxious lead up to the new season.

Follow for all the latest Blues transfer news and gossip right here…

  • <a href='http://www.thesun.co.uk/sport' rel='external nofollow' class='url'>Alex Terrell</a>35 seconds agoJune 11, 2019

    SUPPORTERS are furious that Rafa Benitez is being lined up for the Stamford Bridge job.

    The Spaniard had criticised the club in the past, before being appointed as interim boss following Roberto Di Matteo’s sacking in 2012.

    With the reports circulated online, one supporter wrote: “Selling my season ticket if Benitez comes to Chelsea. Absolutely refuse to support a team with that div in charge.”

    Another said: “If Chelsea appoint Rafa Benitez, I am really done with all this.”

    And a third added: “Rafa Benitez…? Are you joking”

    One Benitez's dig in 2007 went: “Chelsea is a big club with fantastic players, every manager wants to coach a such a big team.

    “But I would never take that job, in respect for my former team at Liverpool, no matter what.

    “For me there is only one club in England, and that's Liverpool.”

    Benitez is currently manager at Newcastle.

  • <a href='http://www.thesun.co.uk/sport' rel='external nofollow' class='url'>Alex Terrell</a>35 minutes agoJune 11, 2019

    CHELSEA'S Ola Aina is set to make a permanent switch to Torino.

    The Serie A club will reportedly pay £8.9m for the full-back.

    After Reece James' injury picked up on loan at Wigan and Davide Zappacosta's imminent departure, there were concerns that the Blues would be light in the full-back slots.

    But the switch has moved closer after the two clubs reportedly agreed a deal.

  • <a href='http://www.thesun.co.uk/sport' rel='external nofollow' class='url'>Alex Terrell</a>2 hours agoJune 11, 2019

    CHELSEA are closing in on the shock appointment of their former manager Rafa Benitez, according to reports.

    His return to Stamford Bridge, six years after leaving the club, is “imminent” as reported by Italian publication Tuttosport.

    The Blues are seeking a replacement for Maurizio Sarri who is on the brink of being named Juventus manager.

    Benitez's future is currently up in the air at Newcastle with the club in the midst of a takeover bid.

    SunSport exclusively revealed how he has been offered a monster deal by Mike Ashley worth up to £15million – but only for a year.

    If the 59-year-old does make a sensational return, then Chelsea fans will be far from happy.

    Despite winning the Europa League during his time in London, he failed to win supporters over following his association with Liverpool.

  • <a href='http://www.thesun.co.uk/sport' rel='external nofollow' class='url'>Alex Terrell</a>2 hours agoJune 11, 2019

    ETHAN AMPADU could start for Wales tonight in their Euro 2020 qualifier against Hungary.

    The Chelsea youngster, 18, came off the bench and made a big impact against Croatia as Ryan Giggs' side lost 2-1, while threatening to equalise after being 2-0 down.

    Along with David Brooks and Rabbi Matondo, there have been calls for the Blues teen to start in Hungary.

    Giggs said: “I realise after the impact they made, a lot of fans are asking why I didn't start them.

    “Ethan hasn't started a game for six months and Brooksy didn't end the season with Bournemouth. He only trained for two days.

    “You're already giving up two substitutions and you're not being fair on the other players.

    “That's my job and it's our job as staff to assess what's best.”

  • <a href='http://www.thesun.co.uk/sport' rel='external nofollow' class='url'>Alex Terrell</a>2 hours agoJune 11, 2019

    DAVID DE GEA has been told he is no longer guaranteed to be Spain's No1.

    The Manchester United keeper was on the bench as La Roja kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Sweden during the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

    Chelsea stopper Kepa was between the sticks for his sixth cap.

    De Gea had a poor World Cup last summer, following a superb season at Old Trafford.

    Spain assistant boss Robert Moreno said: “We don't think the De Gea period with Spain is over.

    “But Kepa had an incredible end of the season, champion of the Europa League with great performances.

    “In this moment we thought that Kepa could help us in a better way.

    “The competition is now on.”

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