I think this tells us all we need to know about Raheem Sterling's future.

Chelsea have subtly changed Pedro Neto's number to seven from 19...

You know who normally wears their number seven? Yep, you guessed it - Sterling!

To anyone who bought a Neto number 19 shirt, I'm sorry. This must suck to read.

Enzo Maresca did not mince his words in that press conference, that's for sure.

He was pretty clear that he did not think he was being brutal by cutting players out.

I know it's his job to be assertive, but still...

You have to show some empathy towards the players in this situation, it's a really tough time for them all.

Do you think Chelsea are being too brutal?

Enzo Maresca on the size of Chelsea's squad:

They (Sterling and Chilwell) are training apart. We have a big squad and it is impossible to give them all minutes. If they are looking for minutes, then it is better if they leave. If they do not leave, then they have a contract here and they are Chelsea players.
Brutal? I don't think so. I try to be honest. I can repeat again if it's not clear: I spoke with Raheem before the (Manchester) City game. I said he is going to struggle to get minutes with us. With Chilly, I said he is a lovely guy, but he is going to struggle because of his position.
If you define this as “brutal”, it is up to you to decide. For me, it's not brutal, it's just honest. I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer different kinds of wingers. This is the reason why.
If it's six-year contract, or a 20-year contract, I don't care. I'm just here to make the right decisions for the team. About the contract situation, it's not my job.
You like to say we have 42 or 43 players. Today's session is with 20 players. Yesterday's session was with 21. But the other 15 or 20, they are training apart. Chelsea players, yes, 42 or 43, sure, but they are not working with me every day. I don't see them so it's not a mess like it looks from outside. Absolutely not.

Brentford's move for Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg 'looks like it will get done, reports talkSPORT's Alex Crook.

If this is the case, Van den Berg will feel like a very relieved man, he wants to play football, and at Liverpool that just wasn't happening.

One to keep an eye on.

Facundo Pellistri has joined Greek club Panathinaikos from Manchester United.

The Uruguayan joined United from Penarol in 2020 and hade 25 appearances for the club.

He enjoyed two loan spells at Deportivo Alaves and another at Granada during his time on United's books.

A move that makes sense if, like Unai Emery, you insist Emi Martinez is the best goalkeeper in the world.

Aston Villa have tied down the World Cup winner until 2029, which could see him patrolling the Holte End penalty area until the grand old age of 36.

Where does he rank among Premier League goalkeepers?

A nice and perhaps obligatory touch from Marc Cucurella and Christopher Nkunku, as they welcome Joao Felix on his return to Chelsea while being stalked by an overhanging boom mic.

Smiles, hugs, and sunshine in Surrey. Everything is so serene at Chelsea Football Club, isn't it?

Good afternoon all.

Bamforth has been foolhardy enough to briefly pass this live blog into my clutches.

First up in my reign of mischief: Chelsea have reportedly offered a senior player to Manchester United. That's right, not a nobody you haven't heard of. A bona fide experienced Premier League player and one who could solve a problem for Erik ten Hag.

Read all about it.

I bet Conor Gallagher was happy to see this man in training.

Cesar Azpilicueta was his former captain at Chelsea before the full-back left for Madrid last year.

Whenever you move to a country where you don't speak the language, it's always nice to have a friend.

I'm sure he will make plenty more.

Chelsea have confirmed what we already knew.

The Blues have signed their ninth player of the summer as Joao Felix returns to where he played just over a year ago.

I must admit, his arrival picture is pretty cool.

It comes just hours after Conor Gallagher made the switch in the other direction.

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