Chelsea remain interested in a deal for Declan Rice and are preparing to launch a £60 million bid for the West Ham midfielder in January.
Rice has forged a reputation as one of the most promising young players in the Premier League and has been on Chelsea’s radar for some time, Frank Lampard having identified the England international as a player who can significantly improve his new-look side.
The west London side were interested in signing the 21-year-old during a summer transfer window in which the club spent lavishly on a host of new additions, though their heavy investment ended hopes of a late move after failing to raise further funds through player sales.
According to the Daily Mail, however, Chelsea are set to return with renewed interest during the winter window and will try to tempt Rice from their London rivals once more, though it will take a sizeable offer to persuade West Ham to part with a youngster who has become a key figure at the London Stadium.
Rice has captained the side throughout the opening weeks of the season and the Hammers are determined to build their side around the player, with the club keen to extend – and significantly improve – the academy graduate’s current contract which runs until the summer of 2024.
Rice previously spent time in the Chelsea academy before being released as a teenager and heading across the capital, his development having persuaded the Blues to prepare a huge offer in a bid to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.
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