MARINA GRANOVSKAIA has reportedly thrown a spanner into Chelsea's January plans by only agreeing to sanction a move for Declan Rice.
Meanwhile Atletico Madrid are said to be interested in signing Olivier Giroud to replace Diego Costa, just as Chelsea did in 2018.
Follow all the latest from the Bridge below…
- Giacomo Pisa
HAVING A LAUGH
It's been a strange year Chelsea fans, but these moments from Blues training sessions in the last twelve months should help put a smile on your face.
- Giacomo Pisa
FEELING THE BLUES
Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Jadon Sancho.
And according to CBS Soccer podcast Que Golazo, there are TWO possible destinations for the England international.
Chelsea are now keeping an eye on his situation in Germany and could dash United's hopes of landing the 20-year-old.
But both clubs will have to wait until the end of the season – Dortmund are not considering a January sale of the star winger.
Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Sancho after the winger admitted he was a Blues fan growing up.
Manchester United were heavily speculated with his return to England in the summer but refused to stump up his £108million asking price.
Credit: EPA - Giacomo Pisa
AZPI'S ASPIRATIONS
The main hope for Chelsea club captain Cesar Azpilicueta is to get fans back into stadiums in 2021.
Speaking to Chelsea's official website, Azpilicueta said: "I would like to see the stadium full of fans.
"That would be a sign we are going back to normality. Unfortunately, since March it has been difficult for a lot of people.
"So many jobs are at risk so it is a moment to stay responsible and follow the rules.
"People are going through tough periods but we have to try and remain positive.
"Hopefully we can get over this being better and I am sure we will enjoy every second more."
- Giacomo Pisa
SHOULDA GOT GREALISH
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley thinks the Blues missed a trick in the summer by not targeting Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.
Grealish has been in sensational form for the Villans, while Chelsea's big name signings have struggled to adapt to life in South-West London.
Burley told ESPN FC:"I wouldn’t have been against signing Jack Grealish. He’s been superb again, a fantastic season.
"He has a bit of everything. At the moment Havertz is lost and Werner has lost his confidence.
"Timo Werner is a different kettle of fish because Jack Grealish is a midfielder who can do a bit of everything. Werner is an attacker, and in essence so is Havertz – although he can play a little deeper.
"Grealish would have given them more options than Havertz."
- Giacomo Pisa
EMERSON ON THE MOVE
According to reports in Italy, Chelsea left back Emerson is a loan target for Napoli in January.
Emerson has struggled to nail down a starting spot ever since his arrival at the Blues, and the signing of Ben Chilwell in the summer means his chances have been even more limited.
Corriere Dello Sport state that Napoli are keen to take Brazilian Emerson on a six month loan deal.
However, with Marcos Alonso seemingly edging towards a move to Atletico Madrid, the Blues may have to keep hold of 26-year-old Emerson in case of an injury to Chilwell.
Either way, Chelsea are likely to lose at least one left back once the transfer window opens tomorrow.
Credit: Reuters - Giacomo Pisa
JORGINHO TO GO?
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho's Stamford Bridge days seem to be numbered, with his agent stating a move to Italy could be on the cards.
Jorginho has struggled to cement a starting place in Frank Lampard's midfield, but he is likely to remain at the Blues in January, although a summer exit is a possibility.
29-year-old Jorginho joined the Blues in 2018, and has made over 100 appearances in the centre of Chelsea's midfield.
Football Italia report that the Italian's agent Joao Santos said: "Jorge is a Chelsea player and he is very happy there, but I wouldn’t rule out a return to Italy in future."
Credit: Reuters - Giacomo Pisa
OLI'S STAYING
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has states Olivier Giroud will be going nowhere in January.
The 33-year-old Frenchman has struggled during his near three years with the Blues to establish himself as first-choice.
Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham have been preferred to him in attack this term, although he has had a revival of sorts in recent weeks.
Giroud has eight goals in his last eight matches for Chelsea, but will become a free agent at the end of the season.
However it seems likely he will not be going anywhere in January, and will stay in South-West London until his contract expires.
Credit: EPA - Giacomo Pisa
THE KEY
Frank Lampard has been urged to sign a striker in a similar mould to Emile Heskey to get the best out of Timo Werner.
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino told talkSPORT: "It’s a tricky one, because I’ve seen a lot of Werner and when he was at Leipzig he played alongside Poulsen who is a big centre-forward, and he played off the left of him and thrived.
“It’s a bit like Michael Owen; Michael Owen without Emile Heskey was never going to be the same player.
“Michael was blisteringly quick but had not the greatest of touches, but he always fired goals when he had a big lad beside him to take the pressure off him.
“Werner is exactly the same to me; he is blisteringly quick, his touch is not exceptional, he’s technically not bad but not great… he can’t play centre-forward on his own.
“He just can’t, because he can’t lead a line or bring players into play. He has to play off the left side of someone."
- Josh Graham
GOOD MORNING BLUES FANS
Atletico Madrid have identified Olivier Giroud as the ideal replacement for Diego Costa, who left the club on Tuesday.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico will attempt to sign Giroud in the January transfer window but are hoping to do business with a small cash offer.
That could be a bit hard considering Chelsea have spent over £200million in the summer and would look for a significant sum to balance the books.
But then again Atleti are banking on the Blues’ fear of losing their striker for free in the summer when his contract expires
Meanwhile, Chelsea have recently been linked with a shock bid for Borussia Dortmund star Erling Braut Haaland.
Haaland has been on fire ever since moving to Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg earlier this year as he has already netted a staggering 33 goals in 32 matches across all competitions.
Rumours have surfaced suggesting the Blues will try and sign the star striker in January but that is extremely unlikely.
And that is because club director Marina Granovskaia is keen on only one transfer in the January transfer window with Declan Rice posing as a priority.
Plus, Dortmund would almost definitely never agree to let such an important player leave in the middle of the season
Finally, Man Utd are leading the charge for Chelsea target Moises Caicedo.
Fabrizio Romano claims contacts have been made with the 19-year-old Ecuador midfielder.
There are no bids on the table yet but the ball is in United’s court.
And it’s now up to the Red Devils to make their move before Chelsea and other sides join the fray.
- Anthony Chapman
GO FOR SANCHO
Chelsea are apparently eyeing a shock deal for Jadon Sancho.
The Que Golazo podcast via Football.London claims the Blues are closely monitoring his situation.
Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have both suffered injuries this term, forcing Timo Werner to the wings.
But Frank Lampard will have to wait until the summer if he wants to make a move for England international Sancho.
- Anthony Chapman
MORE PREM COVID Q&A
CAN’T THEY JUST MAKE UP THE GAMES?
It’s not that easy. The delayed start means the Prem season, normally spread over 34 weekends, is actually being played over 32, with two extra midweek dates scheduled.
But there is far less wriggle room after European games meant midweeks were unavailable until the middle of December.
Prem fixture planners have set aside three “catch-up” dates – March 2, April 20 and May 19 – but there is still not enough room if teams go deep in Europe and the domestic cups.
YES, BUT WHAT ABOUT EXTENDING THE SEASON?
No can do. Unless there is a Europe-wide shutdown, the Prem must finish on May 23, to give players time to prepare for the delayed Euro 2020 starting in June.
The Europa League and Champions League Finals are the following week, too.
SO WHAT IF THERE IS A SERIES OF INFECTIONS?
Being unable to complete the full season is the Prem’s worst fear, especially as clubs would have to confirm “curtailment rules” allowing a points per game calculation.
They were already split on how many matches need to be played for the season to be deemed legitimate – and are now LESS likely to reach agreement.
- Anthony Chapman
YOUR FOOTY COVID QUESTIONS ANSWERED
WILL THE PREM SHUT DOWN?
Not if League chiefs can avoid it, for many reasons.
Scheduling is the main one, but they also risk losing yet more millions in TV company “rebates”, on top of the £340m the clubs have to pay back for LAST season.
BUT WHY ARE GAMES BEING CALLED OFF?
Prem rules actually say that postponement requests “will not be granted” if a club has 14 or more senior players available.
But the League Board can exercise discretion “on a case by case basis” and both City’s trip to Everton and Spurs’ game with Fulham were postponed over fear of the virus being passed on to the opposition dressing room.
THAT’S TWO GAMES. SO WHY ARE PEOPLE CONCERNED?
City and United started the season a week late, because of their Euro exertions in the summer.
So City are now two games behind, as are Aston Villa, who were due to play United on the opening weekend.
Now Newcastle, Everton, Burnley, Spurs and Fulham are also a game shy of schedule.
- Anthony Chapman
BLUE REVIEW
It's been a mixed start for Chelsea's new signings.
The likes of Edouard Mendy, Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech have hit the ground running alongside Thiago Silva.
But Timo Werner and Kai Havertz have been far from convincing.
Who's been your star so far?
- Anthony Chapman
MAKING HIS MARC
Chelsea forgotten man Marcos Alonso is reportedly set to join Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window.
The left-back has slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of Ben Chilwell and a loan deal between the two clubs is close to being agreed, according to MARCA.
Diego Simeone is eager to strengthen at full-back after Kieran Trippier was handed a 10-week worldwide ban for breaching the Football Association's betting rules.
Alonso has been restricted to three appearances in all competitions this term after being frozen out by Frank Lampard.
The Spaniard – under contract at Chelsea until 2023 – has not featured since being hauled off at half time in the 3-3 draw at West Brom in September.
A fresh start in the Spanish capital awaits Alonso, who will likely be at home in Simeone's five-at-the-back system, which could free Yannick Carrasco to cover on the opposite flank for Trippier.
- Anthony Chapman
BLOCK-BUSTER YEAR
We all know 2020 has been a year like no other – but we can still rely on sport to provide a sense of normality with explosive bust-ups galore.
From boxing heavyweights to fighting team-mates to Jurgen Klopp over and over again, the last 12 months have certainly delivered.
So SunSport takes a look back over some of the most bonkers, bizarre and brutal clashes of the year…
SEE THE MOST EXPLOSIVE ROWS OF 2020 HERE
- Anthony Chapman
TUCH AND GO
Thomas Tuchel is being linked with the Chelsea job after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain.
And the Blues could look very different if Tuchel replaces Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
Here's how Chelsea may line up should the German make his way to the dugout in south-west London.
- Anthony Chapman
BRING THE MOISE
Man Utd are leading the charge for Chelsea target Moises Caicedo.
Fabrizio Romano claims contacts have been made with the 19-year-old Ecuador midfielder.
There are no bids on the table yet but the ball is in United’s court.
And it’s now up to the Red Devils to make their move before Chelsea and other sides join the fray.
- Anthony Chapman
BLUE BEAUTY
Chelsea fans could get an unexpected winner at Wolves tonight – thanks to Mayson Mount.
No, that's not a mistake, a horse named after the Blues and England star is running in the 5.40 at Wolverhampton.
The horse got his name because previous owner Clive Washbourn is a huge Chelsea fan.
Mayson Mount is part of a long list of horses named after top footballers.
N'Golo – named after Mount's team-mate N'Golo Kante – ran recently.
And you can take your pick from the runners with Premier League names, including Aguerooo, De Bruyne Horse, Fox Vardy, Van Dijk… and even Pablo Hernandez.
- Anthony Chapman
FROM SUNSPORT’S MARTIN BLACKBURN
Manchester City will re-open their training ground on Wednesday afternoon after the latest round of Covid tests came back negative.
Monday night’s game at Everton had to be called off amid fears the virus had spread through Pep Guardiola’s squad.
But they can now continue planning for Sunday’s game at Chelsea – along with next Wednesday’s Carabao Cup trip to Manchester United.
A City statement read: “Manchester City FC can confirm that first team training will resume at the CFA this afternoon.
“The full Covid 19 bubble underwent testing on Tuesday and results so far have revealed no new positive cases.
“Safety remains our number one priority and the club will continue to proceed with great caution."
- Kostas Lianos
HAALAND BID
As mentioned below, a bid for Erling Braut Haaland by Chelsea is extremely unlikely ahead of the January transfer window.
That is because Blues director Marina Granovskaia is keen on only one signing next month, with West Ham ace Declan Rice posing as the top target.
Plus, Borussia Dortmund would try everything in their power to make sure such an important player doesn't leave in the middle of the season, just like they have been doing with Jadon Sancho these past two years.
Therefore, a summer bid is a lot more likely for Chelsea who are currently full of quality forwards.
After all, Sky Sports journalist Angelo Mangiante claimed recently that Haaland is among the west Londoners' top targets ahead of the summer transfer window
GETTY IMAGES – GETTY - Kostas Lianos
NO KO-VID BREAK
As mentioned below, today's Premier League clash between Tottenham and Fulham has been postponed after the Cottagers returned a number of positive COVID-19 tests on Tuesday.
However, the Premier League remains determined to keep the season going despite the latest coronavirus spike which led to a record 18 cases among players and staff, with a total of 1,479 people tested.
Therefore, there are currently no plans for a two-week ‘circuit breaker’ as discussed by a few clubs.
This is the third Premier League match that gets postponed following Newcastle vs Aston Villa in early December and Monday's game between Manchester City and Everton
- Kostas Lianos
CORONAVIRUS POSTPONEMENT
The Premier League clash between Tottenham and Fulham has been postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the Cottagers' side.
It is understood that the game, which was scheduled for Wednesday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been called off.
This comes after the Premier League announced there were 18 coronavirus cases among players and staff, with a total of 1,479 people tested.
This marked the highest number of positive results since weekly testing started.
- Kostas Lianos
PUL-ING TOGE-WER
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will have to find a way to fit Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic together in the starting line-up.
That is according to Tony Cascarino, who claims Werner is the type of forward that can't lead the attack on his own and thus feels more comfortable playing on the left flank up front.
But the ex-Chelsea ace added that Pulisic appears to be the best forward Lampard has for the left wing.
Cascarino told talkSPORT: "[Werner] is blisteringly quick, his touch is not exceptional, he’s technically not bad but not great… he can’t play centre-forward on his own.
“He just can’t, because he can’t lead a line or bring players into play. He has to play off the left side of someone.
“The problem Frank has is that Pulisic was probably Chelsea’s most dangerous forward [against Villa] and he looked very lively and always wanted to get on the left.
"Pulisic is a better left-sided player than Werner in the way Chelsea play. It’s one of Frank’s biggest challenges he has got over the next few games.”
- Kostas Lianos
HAALAND SITUATION
Chelsea have recently been linked with a shock bid for Borussia Dortmund star Erling Braut Haaland.
Haaland has been on fire ever since moving to Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg earlier this year as he has already netted a staggering 33 goals in 32 matches across all competitions.
Rumours have surfaced suggesting the Blues will try and sign the star striker in January but that is extremely unlikely.
And that is because club director Marina Granovskaia is keen on only one transfer in the January transfer window with Declan Rice posing as a priority.
Plus, Dortmund would almost definitely never agree to let such an important player leave in the middle of the season
- Kostas Lianos
AL ABOARD
Olivier Giroud, though, is not the only Chelsea ace Atletico Madrid are targeting.
According to The Independent, Atletico are also keeping tabs on out-of-favour defender Marcos Alonso.
Alonso hasn't been involved in the Blues' squad since late September and thus Atleti are interested in signing him on loan ahead of the January transfer window.
The left-back could be open to moving back to his hometown in Madrid where he started out as part of Real Madrid's academy
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