Chelsea's West Ham target pushing hard for a move

In-demand West Ham United star midfielder Declan Rice is pushing for a transfer to Chelsea, according to reports. But West Ham are insistent they will not sell the England star this summer for whatever the price. 

According to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers vice-captain is keen to get a move back to Chelsea. There is a suggestion that Rice's agent is already in negotiations with the Stamford Bridge club over a potential move with the two clubs close to beginning talks. 

However, it is understood that there still has been no official bid put in from any club for the Three Lions international as of yet. 

The 21-year-old was released by the Blues at the age of 14 before making the switch across London, where he has made 111 first-team appearances. 

Chelsea have already spent a total of £230 million in this summer transfer window to bring in Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, and now Edouard Mendy. 

But with less than two weeks to go before deadline day, Frank Lampard is thought to be keen to complete his spree by landing Rice. 

However, West Ham values their star, who can play both in midfield or in defence, at around £80 million.

That is more than the Blues would be willing to stump up so they will hope to push that figure down, just as they did to sign Ben Chilwell for £50 million as opposed to the £70 million Leicester wanted. 

The Blues fans were left convinced Rice would join them after the West Ham star was pictured with "Agent Drogba". The Hammers ace was enjoying a well-deserved holiday with best friend and Blues star Mason Mount in Mykonos, Greece when he bumped into the Ivorian icon. 

Rice came under fire for his performance in the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on the opening day of the season. He captained the side in the absence of Mark Noble as they lost at Arsenal on Saturday.

Featured image credits - Metro