Chelsea clear Mudryk return as Chalobah eyes Como move
Xabi Alonso is driving Chelsea's move for Aston Villa set-piece coach Austin MacPhee, who is highly regarded and seen as a way to improve the Blues' output in that area.
Reece James faces an uncertain role under Xabi Alonso, with a back-three system and midfield competition clouding his place. His captaincy could also come under scrutiny.
Trevoh Chalobah wants a move to Como as Chelsea hold out for £30m plus £5m in bonuses. Xabi Alonso wants only 'four or five' defenders, leaving the centre-back surplus to requirements.
Chelsea have improved their bid for Pep Chavarría, with talks with Rayo Vallecano moving forward. The left-back is a Xabi Alonso target and has agreed personal terms.
Chelsea have made contact with Newcastle over Lewis Hall, but Manchester United still lead the race. Any return looks difficult, with Chelsea needing internal persuasion to bid.
Chelsea will hold fresh talks next week with Enzo Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, over his future. Real Madrid are ruled out, with the midfielder and club set to decide next steps.
Crystal Palace are considering a loan move for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong after losing Maxence Lacroix, with regular football seen as key to the 20-year-old's development.
Mykhaylo Mudryk is free to return immediately after the FA, with WADA's agreement, resolved the appeal proceedings and accepted a period of ineligibility equal to time already served.
Chelsea lost 2-1 to Tottenham in Sydney as Richarlison struck late. Estevao equalised, but Xabi Alonso's side failed to use their second-half advantage after Kevin Danso's red card.
