Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle about their midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Express have picked up on reports in Ecuador that Chelsea have made a move to try to sign the 19-year-old, who has also been linked with Manchester United.
Reports now say that suggestions United have made an approach for him are wide of the mark and that the Red Devils have decided not to.
But it appears that Chelsea are strongly interested in Caicedo, who has been touted for a move to Europe for some time.
Lampard latest
There continues to be speculation over the future of Frank Lampard amid reports that Chelsea are looking at possible options to replace him as manager.
Lampard’s side have lost four of their last six matches and Lampard is said to be on thin ice.
The Daily Telegraph reports that the club have no firm plan in place for changing the manager and that Lampard will be given time to turn things around.
The Independent suggest that Lampard will be given more time as well – but also report that Thomas Tuchel, Max Allegri, Brendan Rodgers and Ralph Hasenhuttl are considered to be the main options if Lampard loses his job.
The Sun, meanwhile, declare that former Paris St-Germain boss Tuchel has been lined up to replace Lampard if results do not improve.
And ESPN have claimed that some of Chelsea’s players have become frustrated about Lampard’s tactics and the fact that he does not seem clear on what his best XI is.
Giroud speculation continues
There also continues to be speculation over the future of Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.
Several clubs have been linked with the Frenchman, including West Ham.
Sky Sports say a move to Italy could be an option, with Juventus and AC Milan reported to be interested in him.
Goal.com believe Giroud will stay at Stamford Bridge despite the interest from Serie A.
Drinkwater to Germany?
Danny Drinkwater is being linked with a potential move to Germany.
The midfielder has no future at Chelsea, who have been keen to offload him for some time.
And German outlet Fussballtransfers.com say Drinkwater’s representatives have contacted Bundesliga clubs to see if there is interest in signing him during this month’s transfer window.
It is claimed that Chelsea would be willing to sell him for just £3.5m.
Van Ginkel eyes return
Marco van Ginkel believes he is finally close to returning to action.
The midfielder, who is on loan at PSV Eindhoven from Chelsea, has been plagued by knee problems.
But he is now back in full training and is optimistic he can rebuild his career.
“The knee is doing well, we are doing well. For the last two weeks, I have been doing everything with the group again,” he told ESPN, as reported by Football Oranje.
“Now that I am so close again, it is starting to itch again. In the past two weeks, I have taken steps and now I have to take the step towards the games.”