Chelsea could accept transfer ban, Sun say

Stories in Wednesday’s newspapers involving Chelsea…

Chelsea not yet lodging their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) has led to speculation that they could accept the club’s transfer ban.

The Blues announced after an appeal was rejected by Fifa that they would take the case to Cas.

But Cas confirmed on Tuesday that no appeal has been received from Chelsea, who were banned from signing players this summer and next January.

There is still time for Chelsea’s appeal to be lodged.

However, The Sun suggest that the club could accept the ban for this summer in the hope of it being lifted for the January transfer window.

The newspaper say “it is possible Chelsea’s lawyers may now believe Fifa has a stronger case against them than initially envisaged” and that the club is reconsidering its position.

Meanwhile, Maurizio Sarri continues to be linked with the manager’s job at Juventus.

The Sun and the Daily Telegraph say Chelsea would let their head coach go for £5m in compensation – there has been speculation about Sarri’s position for some time.

The Daily Star declare that Derby fear Chelsea will look to appoint former Blues star Frank Lampard after his impressive first season as Rams boss.

Chelsea must pay Sarri’s predecessor Antonio Conte £9m in compensation after the Italian won his legal battle over the club’s sacking of him last summer, The Times reports.

And a number of newspapers report that former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, currently with Arsenal, will return to Stamford Bridge as sporting director when he retires from playing after the Europa League final.