Noise growing louder around Maresca

The noise around Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has not gone away.

Whether that's by design or coincidence, we do not fully know. But the latest report that the Italian is high on Manchester City's shortlist to replace Pep Guardiola has only fuelled the flames.

Neither club has officially commented, given the sensitivity around both managers potentially leaving their posts.

Meanwhile, a 9am news conference is unusually early for Chelsea and — while it may be a case of 2+2 = 5, it could discourage some media from attending.

That said, Chelsea are likely to have an early training session soon after, before flying later today in preparation for facing Newcastle at St James' Park on Saturday lunchtime.