Jose Mourinho Talks Paul Pogba and Transfer Rumours in Hull vs. Chelsea Presser

Jose Mourinho has hinted that Chelsea will make some moves in the upcoming summer transfer window, suggesting that while he is happy with his overall squad, improvements will be made.

Speaking ahead of the Blues' Sunday Premier League clash at Hull City, the Portuguese manager conceded that his league-leading side hold the advantage in the title race but warned that any one of five teams could still lift the trophy.

Chelsea have dominated the division thus far and will surely be crowned champions, with Mourinho backing his current squad but hinting at a few new arrivals in the summer, per the Mirror's Alex Richards.

"Our transfer policy does not need a lot of funds," Mourinho said. "I like our squad. Once more our transfer policy will be nice and quiet. I am happy with the squad I have. Zero movement in or out? I don't believe. There are always a couple of changes to be made. I am not worried about funds because we are fine."

Asked about a potential move for Juventus' midfield superstar Paul Pogba, Mourinho preferred to back talented Chelsea prospect Ruben Loftus-Cheek, brushing aside any links with the Frenchman, per Richards.

"I don't think about Pogba or other players," Mourinho said. "I look to our own players. Between these guys, we have a good group. I believe a lot in Ruben. Next season, the squad will be made in a way where Ruben is not a number, but is competing for a position."

Chelsea can maintain their six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table with a win this weekend at the KC Stadium.

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But Mourinho believes his side are still very much in a race for the title, with the Sky Blues, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool all marked as potential contenders in a five-horse race, per Richards.

"You mean five?" Mourinho asked. "The reality that the distance between 2 and 3, 3 and 4, 4 and 5, means things aren't over. For anyone."

Mourinho did concede, though, that Chelsea hold the advantage—they have a game in hand over the other contenders who have played only 28 matches—but warned against any complacency with plenty of games left to play, per PA's Matt McGeehan:

In the wake of Friday's Champions League draw, Mourinho admitted his regret at not being involved in European competition at this stage of the season.

Chelsea were knocked out at the last-16 stage by Paris St-Germain—who drew Barcelona in the quarter-finals—and Mourinho is clearly still hurting, per Richards: 

"

I would prefer to be in the Champions League. This is only the second time I’ve been out at this point in 11 years. If we had gone through, it would be Barcelona, Man United, Barcelona, Arsenal. This is (of course) hypothetical and very difficult. But I would still like to be playing those games, but we went out. 

"

However, while being knocked out of Europe is a huge blow for the Blues, it will give them an advantage as they bid for a fourth Premier League title. 

Chelsea have been some way off their brilliant best of late. The PSG defeat came amid four dropped points from their last three league games.

They will be at almost full strength for the Hull match, with John Obi Mikel being the only absentee through injury, although Mourinho suggested he would return after the international break:

Chelsea will be heavy favourites against the lowly Tigers at the KC Stadium on Sunday. Eden Hazard and Diego Costa both scored as Chelsea won 2-0 in the reverse fixture in December.

With the Blues looking to respond after a 1-1 draw with Southampton last time out, Hull look set for a fourth league game in succession without a league victory.