Hands off Acheampong, Chelsea draw the line
Manchester United want Josh Acheampong. Chelsea don't care. "He is just not for sale. Period." That is the word from Ben Jacobs, and the club are standing firm on their young defender (4) (6).
United had been looking at Nottingham Forest's Murillo but have now turned their attention to Acheampong. Chelsea's response? An immovable no.
Colwill going nowhere either
Liverpool would love to sign Levi Colwill, but Chelsea are equally determined to keep him (5). Pete O'Rourke confirms the interest is real, but the door is firmly shut. Two homegrown defenders, two big clubs told to look elsewhere.
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Barcelona sniffing around Joao Pedro
Barcelona are interested in Joao Pedro, but the price tag might kill any deal before it starts. The Brazilian's omission from the national team squad does not worry Pete O'Rourke: "I'm not convinced that will have a major impact" (1). Still, any Barcelona interest in your players is worth watching.
Maresca working the phones for Cucurella
Enzo Maresca has been speaking directly to Marc Cucurella about a potential move to Manchester City (3). Not through agents, personal conversations. Cucurella knows the Premier League inside out, and Maresca sees him as a key piece if a deal can be done.
Sunderland await on Sunday
Chelsea travel to Sunderland next. Both Joao Pedro and Levi Colwill have trained and are hopeful of being fit. Reece James remains a day-by-day situation, the club are managing his fitness carefully.
Alonso's shopping list taking shape
Xabi Alonso has reportedly asked Chelsea to sign a Brazilian international (7), and separate talks have already taken place over a major transfer ahead of his arrival (9). A Borussia Dortmund player described as a "great leader" is also on the radar (8), plus a Portuguese international who could be available for a bargain fee (10).
The Alonso era is being built before he has even walked through the door.
Fan-reaktioner
The Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City chatter has Chelsea fans on edge, with Fabrizio Romano naming him as an internal target should City fail to land Elliot Anderson. The mood around Reece James is more reflective, supporters see his honesty about the team's inconsistency as a sign of leadership, but the cautious injury management is testing patience. Meanwhile, the nostalgia hit of Drogba, Anelka and Malouda's 97 goal contributions in 09/10 has fans longing for that kind of firepower again. See what the fans are saying
