Chelsea not giving up on Declan Rice pursuit
According to The Athletic (h/t Express), Chelsea are set to revive their interest in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the January transfer window.
Chelsea spent a major part of the summer transfer window chasing the England international star. But a deal could not be completed as the Hammers refused to budge on their £73m asking price. (h/t Express)
It is claimed that the Blues were even willing to offload two of their current first-team members in order to make a swoop for Rice. And, while the move may not have materialised, Frank Lampard is not giving up on the pursuit as of yet. (h/t Express)
As per the report, Chelsea could be set to go back with an offer for the 21-year-old in the January transfer window which is around eight weeks away.
It is further claimed that West Ham are worried that their London rivals could make another swoop for Rice in January. And, as a result, they have entered contract negotiations with the midfielder, hoping to convince him to stay with financial incentives.
However, Chelsea are hoping that Rice turns down a new deal at the London Stadium and pushes for a move to Stamford Bridge. (h/t Express)
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A former Blues’ academy man, Rice has thrived in the defensive midfield role at West Ham. And it is being claimed that Lampard intends to use him in the centre of the park while moving N’Golo Kante into a more advanced role. (h/t Express)
Signing Rice would certainly bolster our midfield, while his arrival would also add depth to the centre-back department as well. However, it remains to be seen if the club does make a move for him in January.