Manchester United have received a blow in their pursuit of RB Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano as Chelsea have reportedly contacted him about a transfer.

United were said to be front-runners to land the 22-year-old for £55million this month.

Chelsea are one of four Champions League clubs to have apparently made contact with RB Leipzig over defender Dayot Upamecano. Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also though to be a keen admirer of the defender.

But they could now be pipped by the Blues to the post, according to German outlet Kicker.

Kicker claims the Blues have reached out to RB Leipzig to see if they can strike a deal for the 22-year-old.

Thiago Silva has been the standout performer in Chelsea’s back four this season but he is in need of a world class partner.

Roman Abramovich states that the decision to sack Frank Lampard was “a very difficult decision for the Club.”

The west London club’s owner bankrolled a massive overhaul of the Blues during the summer, spending about £220m to show his support for Lampard.

But Abramovich, who is not shy in sacking a manager, eventually made the big call to fire the club legend as a poor run of form.

Roman Abramovich said: “This was a very difficult decision for the Club, not least because I have an excellent personal relationship with Frank and I have the utmost respect for him.

“He is a man of great integrity and has the highest of work ethics. However, under current circumstances we believe it is best to change managers.

“On behalf of everyone at the Club, the Board and personally, I would like to thank Frank for his work as Head Coach and wish him every success in the future.

“He is an important icon of this great club and his status here remains undiminished. He will always be warmly welcomed back at Stamford Bridge.”

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has expressed his sympathy for Frank Lampard after he was sacked by Chelsea.

He said: “I’m really sad for Frank, I know how much the club means for him.

“Looking at the squad, and how young they are, it’s a team and squad that needs time, and unfortunately he hasn’t been given that time.

“I really really feel for him, he had the courage to step out of an amazing career as a player, he could have had an easier route, done a great job at Derby and he couldn’t really turn it down.

“He did a good job last season. results might not have been what he wanted as he is a winner. He needed time and sadly for him he hasn’t got that time.”

During his press conference, this is what Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had to say about Frank Lampard’s dismissal at Chelsea.

Guardiola: “People talk about projects and ideas but it doesn’t exist. You have to win or you be sacked.

“I respect the Chelsea decision but a huge hug for Frank, hopefully when the lockdown is over I can go to a restaurant and see him again.

“We depend on results, not the way we play or philosophy. You have to get results and if you don’t you will be replaced.”

Chelsea have released a statement explaining their decision to sack Frank Lampard.

Lampard leaves Chelsea as their worst Premier League boss since Roman Abramovich bought the club, according to the statistics.

His points-per-game (PPG) record of 1.67 was just behind that of Andre Villas-Boas at the bottom of the pile before his dismissal as Blues boss on Monday.

It read: “This has been a very difficult decision, and not one that the owner and the Board have taken lightly.

“We are grateful to Frank for what he has achieved in his time as Head Coach of the Club.

“However, recent results and performances have not met the Club’s expectations, leaving the Club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement.

“There can never be a good time to part ways with a club legend such as Frank, but after lengthy deliberation and consideration it was decided a change is needed now to give the Club time to improve performances and results this season.”

Fikayo Tomori has spoken of Paolo Maldini’s influence in bringing the defender to AC Milan.

The 23-year-old defender has joined the Serie A leaders from Chelsea on loan with an option to buy.

He called it a ‘surprise’ to hear of the Rossoneri’s interest.

The centre-back said: “It’s a club with great history, this is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down

“I was surprised, when I spoke to Paolo Maldini, the best defender who has ever played football, I knew this was where I wanted to be and where I wanted to play football.

“I am very happy to be here now.”

Photo Credit: fikayotomori/Twitter