Chelsea star fires Ruben Amorim message as Enzo Maresca plots another Man City reunion transfer

Enzo Maresca could receive a mixed reception upon his return to the King Power Stadium this weekend. Leicester City will host Chelsea on Saturday afternoon as both sides look to climb the Premier League table.

Just before the international break, the Blues were held to a draw by Arsenal before Manchester United stormed past the Foxes. Chelsea sit fourth in the English top-flight, but they're only a few points adrift of Tottenham Hotspur in 10th.

Nevertheless, Maresca will be hoping to return to winning ways and kickstart the festive period on the right foot. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip.

Maresca eyes another Man City reunion

According to iNews, Chelsea are keen on signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town. The 21-year-old striker, who left Manchester City in the summer, has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, scoring six goals in 11 Premier League games.

The report claims that the Blues are in the market for a new frontman after missing out on a deal for Victor Osimhen in the summer. It's said Chelsea are 'ready to look at younger alternatives' who will fit into the club's wage structure, with Delap emerging as such.

iNews add that City inserted a buy-back clause and a sell-on clause in the youngster's contract worth around £20m. Delap worked closely with Enzo Maresca at the Etihad Stadium during the 2020/21 Premier League 2 campaign, scoring 24 goals in 20 games.

football.london says: "Liam Delap would be a superb signing for Chelsea. Not only has he worked under Enzo Maresca before, but he's also a top young striker. But there's one problem. Nicolas Jackson has been class for a while, so the Blues have no reason to try and replace him."

Chelsea star sends Amorim message

Speaking to DAZN Portugal, Pedro Neto wished Ruben Amorim well on his new role at Manchester United. As quoted by Portuguese outlet NoticiasOminuto, the Chelsea star said: "It’s a sign that the Portuguese are working very well. It’s a sign that both players and coaches have produced a great batch and of great quality."

Neto added: "Above all, and as I said before in the national team, I wish Ruben all the best, except against Chelsea. I think he is a Portuguese product showing the quality he has.

"It is also the Portuguese spirit and I hope it continues like this. We are a small country, but we show our greatness based on these values and both as people and as professionals of the Portuguese people."

football.london says: "I think Ruben Amorim could be a real success at Manchester United. I'm surprised Erik ten Hag lasted as long as he did at Old Trafford!"

James to have hamstring scan

Reece James will have a scan on his latest hamstring injury next week, football.london understands. The 24-year-old defender suffered another problem with his hamstring earlier in the week during a training session.

Enzo Maresca confirmed on Thursday afternoon that James will not take any part in Saturday's Premier League trip to Leicester City but the head coach was hopeful the injury would not be another long-term setback for his captain.

Speaking at Cobham in his pre-match press conference, Maresca said: "We have just one injured player, that is Reece. He felt something and we don't want to take any risks for the weekend.

"He is the only one that is not available for this weekend. Hamstring. It's a muscular problem. We don't want to take any risks for this weekend and hopefully it's not something long."

football.london says: "I feel terrible for Reece James. I can't imagine how frustrated he must be. I really hope everything is okay and he's back in action next weekend."

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