Transfer gossip: Brighton again linked with James
Some of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea…
Chelsea youngster Reece James continues to be linked with Brighton.
The Sun say new Brighton manager Graham Potter is keen to take the defender on loan next season.
The Seagulls were linked with James prior to Potter’s appointment, as were Manchester United.
The Independent recently reported that Chelsea plan to offer a long-term contract to James. who impressed while on loan at Championship side Wigan.
Lampard wants Cahill, Star say
Former Chelsea man Frank Lampard wants to sign Gary Cahill for Derby, the Daily Star claim.
Cahill will leave the Bridge when his contract expires this summer.
Hazard and Hudson-Odoi speculation
There remains speculation over the futures of Eden Hazard and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The contracts of both players expire next year and Hazard continues to be linked with Real Madrid.
There have been reports that a deal for Hazard to leave is close, that the two clubs cannot agree a deal, that Chelsea will not accept less than £100m, and that a transfer ban means they might refuse to sell him.
Now the Daily Mail say Chelsea have no desire to stand in Hazard’s way and would accept £86m – and that another factor is that him leaving for no fee next year would seriously hamper the club’s ability to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
The Mail have also suggested that Chelsea, as part of the club’s attempts to persuade Hudson-Odoi to sign a new deal, will offer him the number 10 shirt currently worn by Hazard if the Belgian leaves.
Kante again linked with PSG
Paris St-Germain are again being linked with Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.
The Mirror declare that PSG are determined to sign the France international this summer.
The newspaper add that the Ligue 1 champions are targeting Kante after Everton refused to sell Idrissa Gueye to them.
The story suggests that Everton do not have to sell their player but that Chelsea – who have secured a Champions League place and whose financial clout is well known – might struggle to keep Kante because of the money PSG are willing to spend.
