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Football London
Football London
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Oliver Harbord & Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Chelsea behind the scenes: Loftus-Cheek's return, Alex Telles deal and Lautaro Martinez transfer

Another weekend is fast approaching, but once again there is no live football to get excited about.

Although that does not necessarily mean there's not plenty going on with Chelsea at the moment as head coach Frank Lampard and the first-team squad continue to train away from Cobham.

The 2019/20 season has been suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the latest report is that Premier League clubs are keen to come up with a plan to ensure the campaign ends by June 30 at the latest.

Oliver Harbord with the latest on Chelsea and Jadon Sancho

According to the Mirror, at least nine clubs have had serious discussions amongst themselves and will come together to present their case to the Premier League on Friday, as they call for the season to be curtailed - rather than risk the "huge uncertainty and utter chaos" of allowing it to drag on for months beyond the summer.

With no games for the Blues this midweek, our Chelsea writer Oliver Harbord gave his thoughts on some of the big talking points at Stamford Bridge right now during a Q&A with fans on Wednesday where he was asked questions on topics ranging from summer transfer targets to contract news.

Here is what he had to say about what is going on behind the scenes in west London.

When would Ruben Loftus-Cheek return to action?

Oliver Harbord says: "Just lacking match action. Before the suspension of the league, Ruben Loftus-Cheek was almost ready to return to first-team action.

"He had played a few games behind closed doors for the U23s and one in the PL2 and he had come through them.

"So when, or if, the campaign does return, then Loftus-Cheek should be fit, but just lacking match fitness.

"However, that is going to be the same for every player right now, so he should be back to a level playing field."

If the season does not end before the contract expiry dates of our players such as Willian and co, what will happen to those players?

Oliver Harbord says: "FIFA proposals. This is going to be a difficult one for FIFA to sort out legally, as can you force a player to stay at one club if their contract has come to an end.

"The Blues have Willian, Pedro, Olivier Giroud, Marco van Ginkel and Willy Caballero as players whose deals run out in the summer.

"Chelsea have also signed Hakim Ziyech, who is set to join the Blues on July 1.

Olivier Giroud and Willian celebrate during Chelsea's game against Dynamo Kyiv (SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

"But FIFA have put forward proposals to say that contracts will be extended until the end of the 2019/20 season, whenever that might come.

"However, there is no indication yet of dates and how feasible that will actually be."

Any news about Telles and can Chelsea take him?

Oliver Harbord says: "A Chelsea target.

"One of the areas that the Blues will be looking to buy in is the left-back position and Telles is certainly on the radar.

"However, there is no deal yet, but remains a cheaper option than someone like Ben Chilwell."

When do you think Roman Abramovich will be allowed back in this country?

Oliver Harbord says: "Still committed to Chelsea.

"It has been a long battle with the UK government over his investor's visa, however, the Blues owner is still committed to the club.

"This is going to be an interesting summer to see how much the Chelsea owner is going to be willing to spend in the transfer window.

"However, it doesn't seem like his visa is going to be coming through any time soon."

Are Chelsea interested in Lautaro Martinez or Luka Jovic?

Oliver Harbord says: "A forward on the agenda. Like in January, Frank Lampard will certainly have a new forward on the agenda, either a striker or a goalscoring winger.

"If the Blues got Jovic, it would likely be on a loan move. Whereas Moussa Dembele is also on the list.

"Martinez would be a massive deal, however, with the striker having impressed with Inter Milan and they wouldn't let him go for cheap."

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