While the situation has been challenging, Chelsea do not view it as irreparable. There is a belief at Stamford Bridge that Alonso can successfully reintegrate Fernandez into the squad and help repair his relationship with supporters through strong performances and results on the pitch.

Everton have been backed to "finally" pull off the signing of Liam Delap after Chelsea pipped them to a deal with Ipswich last summer. David Moyes has been a long-term admirer of the 23-year-old and there is a growing belief he could be prised away from Stamford Bridge after a poor first season.

Sam Kerr marked her Chelsea farewell with a record-equalling goal that earned the Blues a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. The Australian striker will leave when her contract expires in the summer and she bid goodbye in style with a first-half strike to equal Fran Kirby's club record of 116 goals.

Chelsea have not ruled out selling Andrey Santos in a transfer market in which defensive midfielders are commanding record fees. The Blues value the 22-year-old Brazil international highly and he is not being pushed out at Stamford Bridge,

REAL Madrid have DENIED reports that they are interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez! Elsewhere, AC Milan are reportedly targeting Liverpool defender Vigril van Dijk, having already

Chelsea have signed Japan international Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year contract. The 21-year-old midfielder has joined the club from National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) side North Carolina Courage in the United States.

Everton are progressing in talks to sign Chelsea forward Tyrique George on a permanent deal. The 20-year-old joined Everton on loan in February. That deal included a £25million ($33m) option to make the move permanent, which was not taken up by Everton.

It has not been a particularly memorable World Cup for Chelsea's players in terms of either involvement or performances, but it does mean new manager Xabi Alonso will have a larger group available for most of pre-season.