MEDIA WATCH: CHELSEA INTERESTED IN VARANE, THIAGO SILVA HINTS AT CONTRACT EXTENSION AND MURRAY BELIEVES MENDY CAN END STEREOTYPES

In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, the Blues receive a huge boost in their reported interest in Raphael Varane and Thiago Silva says he wants to stay at Chelsea.

These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Chelsea interested in Varane

Chelsea are reportedly still interested in signing Raphael Varane.

According to AS, the Frenchman is on his way out of Real Madrid, and he is keen on testing himself in the Premier League.

The centre-back is out of contract in 2022 and the Blues could use his situation to further strengthen the defence next season. Thomas Tuchel has kept 11 clean sheets in the last 12 games.

The Spanish giants, who are building a new stadium, will be keen on ensuring they get a transfer fee for the 27-year-old to help them with their current financial crisis.

The report states that Madrid will accept any fee of around £51 million for the defender.

Varane has won 19 trophies in Spain. He has won the Champions League four times, four La Liga titles and also became a World Cup winner with France in 2018.

Thiago Silva hints at contract extension

Thiago Silva has revealed his hopes of extending his contract at Chelsea.

Speaking to Sky Italia, the Brazilian revealed he wants to continue playing at the highest level at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have the option to automatically trigger a one-year extension to his deal.

‘I hope to continue like this,’ the 36-year-old said. ‘I want to continue to play at this level and go to the World Cup in 2022.

‘Thomas Tuchel is doing an amazing job here at Chelsea.’

Thiago Silva has had a very influential impact since his arrival in the summer. The centre-back has played a huge role in the Blues’ journey to reach the FA Cup final and Champions League semi-final.

The Brazilian wants to emulate the career of another legendary defender.

‘I’m looking at the example of Paolo Maldini,’ he said. ‘He played until he was 40 years old.’

‘I spent six months with him at AC Milan and it was extraordinary. I hope to follow in Maldini’s path.’

Murray thinks Mendy can end stereotypes

Matt Murray believes Edouard Mendy can end stereotypes about black goalkeepers with his debut season in the Premier League.

The former Wolverhampton Wonderers goalkeeper spoke to the Daily Mail about his belief the 29-year-old can increase the number of chances goalkeepers of colour get in Europe.

‘If he can do well that would be massive,’ the Sky Sports pundit said. ‘Because he can demonstrate all the things people want from a goalkeeper in a top side.

‘On the continent, you’re starting to see a lot more black goalkeepers.’

Mendy has been fantastic since he arrived from Rennes. He has also picked up 21 clean sheets in 37 games. Murray believes the Senegalese international can have a very big influence on young black goalkeepers in the future.

‘It sounds like a big comment, but Tiger Woods changed it with golf and I’m not putting that pressure on Mendy,’ he added. ‘I do believe if he can have a consistent run in the team and do well then he is flying the flag.

‘When it’s goalkeepers everyone wants an Ederson, an Allisson, a Neuer. Nobody ever says I want a Mendy or a David James. You don’t get that yet.’