Chelsea in £71m Man Utd transfer battle as Kovacic makes Borussia Dortmund claim
The Stamford Bridge faithful finally had something to smile about as Chelsea edged out Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Wesley Fofana headed in the only goal of the game from a Ben Chilwell corner early in the second half to fire the Blues to their first victory since 15 January. The result lifted a weight off Graham Potter's shoulders and gives Chelsea hope that they can overturn a 1-0 deficit against Borussia Dortmund and progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.
The German giants travel to west London for Tuesday night's last-16 second leg following a big victory of their own - a 2-1 win over RB Leipzig on Friday. Here are the latest headlines from around Stamford Bridge.
Blues eyeing Abraham
Chelsea are continuing to monitor Tammy Abraham nearly two years on from selling their academy graduate to Roma.
The England international, 25, moved to the Italian capital in a £34million transfer and has since scored 34 goals in 86 appearances in all competitions. Abraham was instrumental as Roma won the Europa Conference League under Jose Mourinho last season and he retains many admirers at Stamford Bridge.
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Chelsea inserted an €80million (£71m) buy-back clause into the striker's contract and it can be activated from July onwards. The Athletic reports Abraham is coveted not only because of his goals, but also because he is a homegrown player who rose through the Blues' academy ranks.
Manchester United are also keen on the 11-cap Three Lions ace and have sent scouts to Roma's fixtures to keep tabs on his progress.
Chelsea have a buy-back clause for Tammy Abraham (LightRocket via Getty Images)Kovacic looks ahead
Mateo Kovacic claims Chelsea can take plenty of confidence into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Borussia Dortmund after recording a much-needed Premier League victory.
The Blues defeated Leeds on Saturday thanks to Wesley Fofana's header early in the second half to ease the pressure on Graham Potter. There were encouraging signs for Chelsea to carry into their second leg with Dortmund, who take a 1-0 aggregate lead to west London on Tuesday night.
"The three points were important for us to lift the confidence to go into Tuesday with a positive mind," Kovacic said. "Unfortunately, the ball does not want to go in at the moment, but in the end, we scored and we're happy with the points. But we need to continue now with this is a step forward."
Fofana revels in goal
Wesley Fofana hailed the incredible feeling of scoring his first Premier League goal for Chelsea before affirming his "focus" for the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
"The feeling is incredible," the centre-back said. "After my goal, the stadium was crazy. Everybody was all together, and the goal was for the whole club. On Friday, at the training ground I worked on set-pieces, the timing of my run, and then I scored.
"It's perfect. The injury for four months, it was hard emotionally, but when I scored, everything was leaving me. I scored, the team won, and a clean sheet as well; it was a very good day and now we’re focused for Tuesday."
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