Here is your Chelsea morning digest on Thursday, 19 August.
Newcastle make Ampadu enquiry
Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu has emerged as a target of Newcastle United this summer.
According to reports from the Northern Echo, Newcastle United have made a loan inquiry about Ethan Ampadu, with the Chelsea youngster expected to leave Stamford Bridge in the next two weeks.
Steve Bruce had prioritised a move for Axel Tuanzebe earlier in the summer, only for the Manchester United youngster to opt for a move to Aston Villa instead, thus he has turned his attentions to the Welshman.
Lukaku’s Chelsea shirt number confirmed
Romelu Lukaku has confirmed he will be Chelsea’s new number nine, in his first press conference since rejoining the Blues.
The £97.5million signing had initially been expected to don the number 18, Olivier Giroud’s former number, after the Premier League suggesting as much on Chelsea’s squad list .
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Lukaku has history with the number having worn it during his first stint at Stamford Bridge.
However, with the departure of Tammy Abraham, nine became available, and the 28-year-old was willing to take the burden of what’s arguably become a bit of a cursed shirt at Stamford Bridge.
Read more here.
Chelsea confirm Batshuayi contract extension and loan deal
Michy Batshuayi has completed a season-long loan move to Besiktas, Chelsea have confirmed .
Before moving to the Turkish giants, he signed a contract extension at Stamford Bridge, making him a permanent Chelsea player until 2023 at least.
The Belgian forward heads to Vodafone Park for the remainder of this season, after passing a medical in Istanbul and signing the relevant paperwork.
Read the full story here.