Chelsea join Man Utd in Declan Rice transfer chase as they target Mason Mount’s best mate in summer window
CHELSEA are reportedly keen on re-signing Declan Rice from West Ham.
claims Frank Lampard is on the hunt for a defensive midfielder this summer.
And the English tactician has apparently earmarked Rice as the perfect man to protect Chelsea’s backline next season.
Rice spent eight years coming up through the Blues’ academy and remains best pals with Mason Mount.
But he was released in 2014 and ended up with rivals West Ham.
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Rice has since become one of the Premier League’s top anchormen and is also a regular for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with a move for the 21-year-old.
But it now seems Chelsea are leading the race to sign Rice after already wrapping up a £37million deal for Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech.
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However, Rice still has four years left on his contract and West Ham are sure to demand an astronomical fee to sell one of their best players to a fierce rival.
Chelsea are also thought to be looking at Lille ace Boubakary Soumare.
It’s reckoned they made an enquiry in January, but he rebuffed Lampard’s interest to remain in France for the time being.