Here are the Chelsea evening headlines on Wednesday, December 30.
Blues stop outgoing loans
Chelsea have stopped discussions on loan moves for academy players leaving the club until mid-January.
This is because Frank Lampard wants to be able to select as many of the under-23 players as possible for his side's FA Cup third-round clash with League Two team Morecambe.
That's according to Goal, who say that Tino Anjorin, Henry Lawrence and Lewis Bate are among the young stars who are likely to start against the fourth-tier side on January 10.
However, the tie is in doubt after several of Morecambe's players tested positive for Covid-19 recently, which meant their games against Bolton Wanderers and Bradford City were postponed.
Le Saux on how Rice can transform midfield
Graeme Le Saux believes Declan Rice could transform Lampard's midfield shape at Chelsea, if he does sign from West Ham United.
Rice was heavily linked with a move to the Blues over the summer, and they have been tipped to make a January swoop for the England and Hammers star.
Former Chelsea full-back Le Saux has detailed how the 21-year-old could change Lampard's way of thinking when it comes to selecting his midfield three.
Speaking exclusively to football.london, Le Saux said: "Is he a player that Chelsea need? I think depending on how they set up, then absolutely.
"He’s a player that gives some protection to the back four. Obviously, you have Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic that play in that midfield three with one as the holding midfielder and I think if Frank wanted to change that to a two-man holding midfield, I think he’s not found that combination yet with Kante and another.
"It’s not something that has stood out. So Declan Rice, or somebody like Rice coming into the squad, gives him the option to play him as a holding midfielder by himself or alongside Kante.
"I think it’s an area that has been a bit inconsistent for Chelsea - the middle of midfield and how that midfield three works."
Read more from Le Saux here.
Tuchel makes decision
Thomas Tuchel has already decided on his next move following his sacking by French club Paris Saint-Germain.
According to BILD, Tuchel has come to the decision that he wants to manage in the Premier League next.
The 47-year-old has been linked with a move to Chelsea, with Lampard's future being questioned following his side's recent form.
The same publication claim Tuchel's most likely destination could be Chelsea if they continue to drop points.
However, as things stand, there does not appear to be too much pressure on Lampard despite the run of one win in five league matches.
