Your Chelsea morning digest on Friday, February 18.
Mason Mount contract talks
Chelsea are planning to open talks with Mason Mount over a new contract, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist claims that direct discussions over a new deal are yet to formally start, but the Blues are planning for the future.
The 23-year-old’s current deal expires in 2024, with the Chelsea hierarchy hoping to avoid problems in extending his contract further down the line.
The midfielder has been integral to the side since he made the leap to first-team football from the academy, making 21 appearances this season with seven goals and six assists.
Chelsea urged to sign Paul Pogba as transfer stance revealed
Paul Pogba is said to be happier at Manchester United in recent weeks, amid links to other clubs in the transfer window.
The 28-year-old is out-of-contract at Old Trafford in the summer, opening a potential move away from the club, who have held discussions over a new deal.
Given his contract issues, former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has urged the Blues to sign the midfielder, citing his relationship with N’Golo Kante in the France national team as a big bonus.
Read more here.
N’Golo Kante set ultimate Chelsea goal
N’Golo Kante can follow in the footsteps of Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta by winning it all in a Blues shirt if they beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final next weekend.
Azpilicueta completed his collection last week with the Club World Cup victory and now Kante, 30, can do the same by adding the League Cup to his own honours list.
The Frenchman has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup in a Blue shirt.
A win in the League Cup final could help seal his Chelsea legacy, having already gone close with a final loss on penalties to Manchester City in 2019.
Read more here.