Former Chelsea boss makes himself available for Stamford Bridge return as pressure mounts on Lampard

Rafa Benitez has just become available for appointment as Chelsea manager after leaving Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Professional.

The Spaniard was appointed interim manager of Chelsea in 2012 for the remainder of the season and he won the 2013 Europa League.

Benitez, whose family home is in the north-west of England, had growing concerns about potentially leaving his family for an extended period of time had the virus re-surfaced in the Far East.

And so the former Real Madrid and Liverpool chief has taken the decision not to return ahead of the start of their new season in two months’ time.

Benitez made the move to China in July 2019 after his Newcastle contract expired.

He was replaced at St James’ Park by Steve Bruce, who is under pressure after a string of poor results and performances.

Chelsea are also reportedly considering Frank Lampard’s future after falling out of title contention.

Manchester United star heaps praise on Reece James, Mason Mount

Marcus Rashford has hailed Reece James and Mason Mount for “amazing” charity work he believes can help change the world.

Right-back James, 21, has been helping The Felix Project hand out healthy food to charities and schools.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old midfielder Mount is a patron of Together for Short Lives, supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

And after winning the Football Writers’ Association Tribute Award, Rashford said: “It is great.

“We have all experienced a tough year and change needs to happen, which is evident.

“The fact people like Reece and Mason are doing that is amazing to see.”

Thiago Silva accused of having problem with team-mates

Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has been accused of not getting along with his fellow team-mates in West London.

Former Newcastle and Stoke midfielder Amdy Faye told Africa Foot United: “There is a big problem with Chelsea’s defence.

“We have the impression that Thiago Silva does not get along well with others.

“In addition, Lampard changes his team all the time.”

Chelsea block star’s January exit

Chelsea have rejected a loan enquiry from West Ham for Emerson Palmieri.

The Hammers are looking to bring in a left-back this month to provide cover and competition for Aaron Cresswell with Arthur Masuaku sidelined through injury.

Masuaku is expected to be out until the end of February and Palmieri is seen as a good stop-gap.

He has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea following Ben Chilwell’s arrival from Leicester, with Marcos Alonso also ahead of him.

But despite Palmieri’s lack of first-team opportunities, Chelsea have rejected West Ham’s loan enquiry as Frank Lampard wants him around as cover with the Blues facing a heavy fixture load in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

Revealed: Why Chelsea could get prime target Declan Rice below West Ham asking fee as father tells star what to do

Chelsea target Declan Rice could leave West Ham for just £50m, according to 90min.com.

The Hammers had been demanding £80m for the England international, but with ticket sales and sponsorship revenue falling due to Covid, they could settle for a far lower fee.

Chelsea would be looking to move Rice to centre-back should they sign him, while Man City and Man Utd would prefer to keep him in his traditional midfield role.

Rice’s father – a Chelsea season ticket holder – has reportedly told him to keep an open mind about the situation.

Arsenal target former Chelsea star

Arsenal are interested in Southampton left-back Ryan Bertrand according to the Evening Standard.

Bertrand won won the Champions League trophy with Chelsea against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena in 2012.

The Gunners are seeking competition for Kieran Tierney having allowed Sead Kolasinac to rejoin his former club Schalke on loan.

Southampton aren’t said to be keen on losing the experienced Bertrand, 31, this month, but the left-back could make the switch to the Emirates on a free transfer in the summer when his Saints deal expires.

Jose Mourinho brags about his Chelsea’s record, says it will be “very difficult” for any team to beat it after Liverpool slumped at Anfield

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho admits it is going to take something extra special to crack the 86-game unbeaten home record set by his Chelsea team.

Liverpool’s long run without a Premier League defeat at Anfield came to an end after 68 games, stretching over almost four years, before Burnley’s 1-0 win, on Thursday.

Chelsea, however, did not lose a single league game at Stamford Bridge from February 2004 until October 2008, a sequence more than covering Mourinho’s first spell at the West London club.

“The records are there to be broken, even the most incredible ones in so many sports,” said the Portuguese, now in charge of Tottenham.

“There are some records that you look to them and you feel that it is impossible for somebody to do it.

“What Liverpool did is amazing and very, very difficult to achieve. Our record from Chelsea is still the record and is very difficult for somebody to do better than that. But congratulations to Liverpool for the amazing run they had by not losing a Premier League match at home for so long.”

Avram Grant was in charge when Chelsea’s record was ended by Liverpool.

Mourinho did not lose a Premier League game at home until deep into his second spell at the Bridge, a defeat by Sunderland in April 2014.

Napoli give update on Victor Osimhen, set to resume training today

Napoli have officially announced Victor Osimhen has tested negative for coronavirus and should resume training today.

The Partenopei announced the Nigerian forward received a negative result from the last swab test and Sky Sport Italia reports, via Football Italaia, that the Nigerian, who has been out with a shoulder injury since the international duty, will start to train tomorrow.

The former LOSC Lille attacker has been out since he suffered a shoulder injury when Nigeria played Sierra Leone and has not played for the Partenopei since he scored the winner against Bologna on November 8, 2020.

He tested positive for COVID-19 upon his return from Christmas holiday and has now tested negative and can return to train.