Brazilian legend Rivaldo believes that Chelsea will not be put off by Philippe Coutinho’s season-ending injury and will continue with their interest in the 27-year-old.

The Blues have been closely linked with a move for the Barcelona midfielder who has failed to make a good impression at the Camp Nou. A loan spell at Bayern Munich has also resulted in minimal success for the former Liverpool man who could be on the move in the upcoming transfer window.

It is believed that Chelsea are very interested in acquiring the services of Coutinho who could bring creative flair to Stamford Bridge.

Fellow Brazilian, Rivaldo, believes that Lampard and the Blues will still be interested in the Barcelona player despite recent issues with injury.

“Chelsea are the favourites to sign Coutinho and I don’t believe they will be put off by his recent injury,” Rivaldo told Betfair as cited by football.london.

“After all, next season is still very distant and he will have enough time to completely recover.

“On the other hand, if the transfer doesn’t go forward and he stays at Barcelona perhaps a salary reduction, based on the player’s decision, could earn plaudits from the club’s board and maybe let him show that he is eager to remain at the club and finally prove his worth.”

Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham fears giving his asthmatic dad coronavirus if football returns too soon.

Abraham lives with his family and is ready to play for Chelsea ‘tomorrow’ as long as it is safe.

The England striker’s father, Anthony, is also eager for his son to get back in action but asthmatics are at high risk of contracting Covid-19.

Abraham, 22, said: “If I was to return to the Premier League and God forbid I do catch this disease and bring it home, it is the worst thing possible.

“To go out on the pitch is a big thing for me. But my dad is asthmatic and the last thing I need is to catch the virus myself or be in contact with anyone with the virus.

“I’ve got his full support going back. He is one of my biggest fans — parents are always there for you.

“The Premier League and the Government have to come to a decision whether or not it’s safe enough to play again and we take it on from there. I am ready to play tomorrow if it is safe.”

Reports in Italy claim Napoli forward Dries Mertens has asked Romelu Lukaku for advice finding a new apartment in Milan, according to Tuttosport.

The striker will be a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this season and is increasingly unlikely to pen an extension at the Stadio San Paolo.

Chelsea have made their interest clear as well, but multiple sources now suggest Mertens has decided to join Inter, if he does leave Napoli.

Tuttosport even maintain the Belgian called his fellow countryman Lukaku to ask for advice on finding a new apartment in the city of Milan.

It means they would not just be club and country teammates, but also neighbours, claim Football Italia.

Lukaku currently lives on the same street as Inter hitman Lautaro Martinez, as they published Instagram videos of them shouting across the rooftops at each other during the lockdown.

Nicolas Tagliafico has hinted he is ready to leave Ajax amid reported interest from Barcelona.

The Catalan giants have reportedly lined up the 27-year-old defender as a replacement for Junior Firpo, who has struggled to make an impression at Nou Camp.

The Argentine left-back has revealed he is keeping fit, with Chelsea also thought to be tracking his progress.

“Ajax is a great club, but the Eredivisie is not a great competition. You must always have dreams. The preparations will start in August for around two months. But whether or not I’ll leave… it’s all uncertain,” Tagliafico told radio station Continental as cited by Skysports.

“I’m trying to think about my condition, to stay fit as possible in case I go to another club. I’m standing on the sidelines. Maybe I’m on [Barcelona’s] list, but there is nothing concrete.”

Photo Credit: Twitter @ AFCAjax_EN