West Ham United are facing an uphill battle to keep hold of highly-rated Englishman Declan Rice after it has been reported that Premier League big-spenders Chelsea are preparing to make a move for the talented midfielder.
READ MORE: Medical soon: Chelsea close in on their new goalkeeper as transfer fee and personal terms agreed
Rice, 21, left Chelsea’s youth academy back in 2013 to join the Hammers’ where he has since gone onto climb the ranks and force his way into the London side’s first-team to become one of the league’s most highly-rated defensive midfielders.
The 21-year-old Englishman has gone onto make 110 senior first-team appearances in all competitions for David Moyes’ West Ham United but according to a recent report from the Telegraph Rice could be set for a move away from the London Stadium.
The report claims that Rice could be forgiven for being tempted by a move back to his old stomping ground after his current side’s crushing 2-0 defeat yesterday against the impressive Newcastle United.
It is understood that Frank Lampard will continue his insane summer spending spree after the Blues’ latest bid for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was accepted and will soon turn their attentions to Rice, as per leading journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The new bid from Chelsea for Edouard Mendy has been accepted by Rennes: here we go! Deal to be completed on next days, the goalkeeper is ready to fly to London and he’ll have medicals soon. Personal terms agreed days ago. Lampard will have his new GK. ? @DiMarzio #CFC #Chelsea https://t.co/iPXVcUm2ij
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2020
Edouard Mendy will be in London on next few hours – the deal is 100% done. Chelsea will consider a move for Declan Rice on following days but won’t pay €80m. West Ham insist they don’t want to sell Rice. Match on. Bakayoko is not in Lampard plans. ? #CFC #Chelsea #WHUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 11, 2020
The Telegraph claim that Chelsea are expected to soon make an official move for the West Ham United midfielder in a transfer which could see their summer spend reach an eye-watering £300m.