#chelsea

#chelsea

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea are preparing to mount a serious challenge to Real Madrid's interest as they look to secure one of the Eredivisie's best young performers. The 20-year-old has been a central figure for AZ Alkmaar this season, drawing widespread praise for his maturity and tactical awareness. Smit has quickly developed into the engine of AZ's midfield.

Reece is fit. A small issue, but he's feeling unwell today, the Chelsea boss told journalists on Monday. It's not a conspiracy, it's true. Hopefully he'll be well enough to play tomorrow. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. The staff have been down, my coaching staff, staff around the club. Fortunately, only Reece from the players is affected at the moment. It's something we're just trying to work on at the moment.

Jamie is looking a little bit more long term, Rosenior said when asked about Gittens. It's a real shame for him, he's got a tear in his hamstring. Obviously I've not worked with him for too long, obviously I've known about his career and what an outstanding player he is, so that's going to be a big miss for us.

Rodrigo Mendoza completed a move to Atletico Madrid in January, and he is already being linked with another transfer. According to a report from Fichajes, Chelsea are keeping tabs on his situation, and they could look to make a move for him next summer. The Blues are aware of the fact that he is likely to cost a premium, but they are monitoring his development.

Chelsea are plotting an ambitious move to sign Endrick from Real Madrid at the end of the season. The talented young attacker is currently on loan at Lyon and has been outstanding since his move to France. He has impressed during his loan spell, and Chelsea have made it an absolute priority to acquire the South American's signature in the summer.

Sitting 11 points clear at the top of the WSL, Manchester City could not have hoped for much more at this point in the season. The club's first WSL trophy since 2016 is well within their reach but the 600,000 addition of United States midfielder Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns will give Andree Jeglertz's side an extra boost going into the final eight games of the season.

Joao Pedro is enjoying life under Liam Rosenior. The versatile Brazil forward was excellent after coming on at half-time against West Ham. Joao Pedro, who has five goals in his last five games, helped Chelsea complete their comeback from 2-0 down by scoring his side's first and then creating Enzo Fernandez's stoppage-time winner. Chelsea chose well when they beat Newcastle to the signing of the 24-year-old from Brighton last summer.

Liverpool have agreed a 60m deal for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet - but the centre-half will not be joining the club in the current transfer window. Subject to a medical, the 20-year-old will move to the Reds in the summer after the clubs reached agreement on a 55m fee plus 5m in add-ons. Personal terms are not expected to be an issue with the France Under-21 international.