Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has again name-checked Crystal Palace when discussing the looming Premier League season.

Mourinho has spoken highly of Palace's summer market work.

“We go into the most difficult domestic competition in the world," he said. “It has more candidates and more top teams. And I think less points will win the title. There will be more defeats and more lost points for the top teams. “

Why? Because of the way all the teams have strengthened, he believes.

As an example, he said: "Crystal Palace buy Yohan Cabaye and Connor Wickham. I would give you many more examples. And I welcome this mentality.

“It is a great thing. It was always difficult to win matches in England. I think that now it is more difficult. I gave Crystal Palace as an example but I could also give you Stoke, Newcastle and Watford.

"It is going to be more difficult now for all of us."