Chelsea news LIVE updates: Follow the latest news from Stamford Bridge

Wednesday 13 December

Paper round-up

08:14: There’s plenty going on in the world of football today, including Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola continuing their war of words following their Manchester derby bust-up.

Plus, West Ham boss David Moyes is keen on above for Arsenal star Jack Wilshere.

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Eden Hazard animal comparison

07:00: Joe Cole has noticed one key factor of Eden Hazard’s game that may not get the praise it deserves. 

The Belgium international has once again proven why he is one of the most feared attackers in European football so far this season.

And while Hazard’s attacking exploits garner all the praise, former Stamford Bridge fan-favourite Cole believes there is another side of his game that is as equally impressive.

“He’s one of the those players that when you’ve got a gem like him in your side you’ve got to build around him,” Cole told BT Sport. 

“He always makes the right decisions, and he’s strong as an ox.”

Leon Bailey £22m offer

06:30: Chelsea have reportedly had a £22million bid to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Leon Bailey in the January transfer window turned down.

Bailey has been scouted extensively by the Blues and he was watched in his side’s 2-0 win over Stuttgart last Friday.

The 20-year-old is thought to be valued at around £50m, and has already been linked with moves to Liverpool and Barcelona.

Although they have been following him from an early age, it seems Antonio Conte faces a fight on his hands to land his man.

The Daily Mail claim Leverkusen rebuffed a £22m offer, as they are holding out for more.

Antonio Conte title claim

06:00: Antonio Conte has explained how he has to be honest about Chelsea’s chances of catching Manchester City in the title race, otherwise it would be “b*******”.

Chelsea thrashed Huddersfield 3-1 this evening at the John Smith’s Stadium to move level on points with Manchester United.

Conte’s men are 11 points behind table-toppers Manchester City, who face Swansea tonight (7.45pm).

And the Italian tactician has admitted his side won’t catch City in the title race.

“I think when you tell the truth, this is the truth,” Conte said. 

“In 17 games we lost four games, when you have a competitor like Manchester City that is winning it is very difficult to think you can win the title, it’s b*******, b*******.”

Willian message

05:30: Manchester United should do everything in their power to sign Chelsea’s Willian - according to former Blues defender Ray Wilkins.

Boss Jose Mourinho is keen to link up with his former Real Madrid player and made a tentative approach for the German in the summer.

With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, it is thought he would be allowed to leave for cheap next month.

But Wilkins thinks the Portuguese boss would be making a bad move and claimed that he should go for Brazilian Willian, who is currently struggling for game time at Stamford Bridge.

"Mesut Ozil won't go to Old Trafford because he doesn't have the work ethic that Mourinho looks for in his players,” Wilkins told Sporting Bet.

“I actually see Willian as being the likely player to head to Old Trafford.