Transfer gossip: Chelsea again linked with Van Dijk

Some of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea.

Chelsea and Liverpool are rivals to sign Virgil van Dijk, the Evening Standard claim.

Chelsea have long been linked with the Southampton defender, who is among a host of centre-backs touted for a possible move to Stamford Bridge.

The Standard claim the Blues face serious competition from Liverpool, who are also said to be keen on him.


Real still being linked with Blues duo

Real Madrid are once again being tipped to move for Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois this summer.

The Guardian and the Daily Mail both suggest that Real are determined to land the Chelsea duo and could offer Colombian James Rodriguez and Spain striker Alvaro Morata as part of the deal.

Both players have been linked with moves to Chelsea in recent months, with Morara touted as a possible replacement for Diego Costa if he is sold by the Blues.


Italian teenager linked

The Express have picked up on a report claiming that Chelsea are tracking Genoa teenager Pietro Pellegri.

Italian outlet Calciomercato claim the Blues and Manchester United are interested in the 16-year-old forward, who made his senior debut in December and has been billed as one of Italy’s brightest prospects.
It is also claimed that either Premier League club could loan Italy Under-16 international Pellegri back to Genoa were they to sign him.


Agent sparks more Verratti speculation

Marco Verratti’s agent Donato di Campli has triggered more reports that the Paris St-Germain midfielder could join Chelsea.

Di Campli has been touting him for a move to the Premier League for some time and has now suggested to Gazzetta dello Sport that the Italy international, 24, is unhappy and could join “a top European club.”

That has led the Daily Mirror to again link Chelsea and Manchester United with Verratti.

Di Campli is quoted as saying: “The situation is very complicated – he has a very good contract until 2021.

“He wants to win and PSG, like it is, cannot win. He has been in Paris for five years now and he has to make a decision: earn a lot and not win or earn and become a champion.

“It is not a problem of money. Whoever signs Verratti will pay him a lot of money. One thing is certain: if he leaves PSG, it will be for a top European club.


Bonucci link continues

The Daily Star have picked up on more speculation linking Chelsea with a move for Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci.

The defender played under Blues boss Antonio Conte for Juve and Italy and was tipped to move to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window.

The Star’s story comes after Yahoo Sport suggested that Bonucci could join Chelsea, Manchester City or Manchester United.


Rudiger reportedly watched

Chelsea sent scouts to Dortmund to watch Antonio Rudiger in action against England ahead of a possible £30m bid for the Germany defender, the Mail say.

Manchester City and Manchester United are also said to be interested in Roma’s Rudiger, who has been linked with Chelsea during successive transfer windows.

Rudiger, 24, is said to be keen to quit Italy and move to England during this summer’s transfer window.