Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he has a "plan" to play club-record signing Morgan Rogers alongside fellow England international Cole Palmer, insisting the midfielder will make an "instant impact" despite having yet to join pre-season training. Rogers became the most expensive British player in history after his £117m move from Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge last week, and the pairing is significant because the two players, who describe each other as close friends, are seen as central to how Chelsea's attack will function under Alonso this season.

Rogers, 24, has signed a six-year contract with the option of a further year, and is currently on holiday following England's World Cup campaign while Chelsea begin their pre-season tour in Sydney. Alonso also addressed the club's wider rebuilding, which includes an expected £52m signing of France defender Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, plus the additions of Geovany Quenda, Emmanuel Emegha and Marco Palestra, with Valentin Barco also anticipated. With the squad set to swell to nearly 40 players, Alonso acknowledged further departures and incoming transfers are likely before the window closes.