Premier league

Christensen, 26, scored twice in 161 Blues appearances, winning a number of trophies including the Champions League and Europa League.

“Direct talks” about the Belgian’s return to Italy have begun but Jacobs believes that Martinez is unlikely to be used in negotiations, with Inter keen to keep hold of him:

The Serie A club may have to weigh up selling de Ligt, and the Blues are thought to be very keen on securing the centre-back‘s signature. Fans on Twitter had a mixed reaction to the story:

There does appear to be an assumption from reporters following other teams that West Ham are likely to be flexible when it comes to their stated price tag, but where this belief comes from is anyone’s guess.

A big caveat, though, is whether Liverpool actually need another winger. Pulisic is most comfortable playing on the left flank, cutting in onto his stronger right foot. The Reds already have Diaz and Diogo Jota who both favour the same position.

However, even if one of them becomes part of the first-team setup next campaign, the Blues are still likely to look at signing another holding midfielder.

The 23-year-old has also been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks, and the fact that the defender is available for a pretty reasonable fee may tempt Thomas Tuchel’s side into making their own offer for the player.

Boehly’s group agreed a deal to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich for £4.25 billion ($5.3 billion)...

“I certainly believe he would suit the way Chelsea play more than Romelu Lukaku. Whether he’s good enough to be their main man and get 20 goals a season, then I’m not so sure. I do like him though and I think he’s a good player and it could be a sensible move if the fee is reasonable.”

The British government describes Abramovich as part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle. Abramovich is also the target of European Union sanctions.