Chelsea ‘interested in signing Declan Rice from West Ham’

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer. 

Frank Lampard is keen to strengthen his resources in midfield and the 21-year-old England international could be targeted should the summer transfer window go ahead as planned despite the coronavirus outbreak. 

Rice, who is a close friend of Blues midfielder Mason Mount, would not come cheap however with four years left on his deal at the London Stadium, yet Chelsea do still hold an interest, according to Sky Sports.

Chelsea are interested in signing Declan Rice from fellow London side West Ham this summer

Rice could join up with close friend Mason Mount, who he’s played with at international level 

Rice has already played with Mount at international level with England and the pair played football recently at a north London centre despite the fact Mount was supposed to be self-isolating. 

Mount’s team-mate Callum Hudson-Odoi had contracted coronavirus – Mount apologised for breaking protocol after the kickabout. 

The Blues already have Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante in their ranks in the centre of the park. 

Yet Lampard’s side were interested in a defensive midfielder in January, with Lille’s impressive youngster Boubakary Soumare linked with a move to west London.

While the Frenchman opted to stay in his homeland, Rice could be moving across the capital in the next few months, though the dates for the summer transfer window are currently up in the air due to the impact of coronavirus on football. 

Due to open on June 18, the season could well extend beyond that date which could result in the manoeuvring of the window to later in the summer.   

Rice has played 30 times for the Hammers in all competitions this season and has also registered seven caps for England since switching allegiance from the Republic of Ireland early last year.