Chelsea set to replace N’Golo Kante with Declan Rice as Real Madrid target transfer for midfielder ahead of Paul Pogba
CHELSEA are reportedly keen to bring former academy player Declan Rice back to the club should N'Golo Kante move on at the end of the season.
The West Ham midfielder was released by the Blues at the age of 14, with the 21-year-old subsequently joining the Hammers.
Since making his debut for West Ham during the 2016/17 season, the England international has featured in 101 games - establishing himself as a key player in the squad.
SunSport reported last week how West Ham value the player at around £70million as they look to keep hold off their prized asset.
And now the claim the Blues are ready to test their London rivals' resolve should they lose Kante in the summer.
They state that Real Madrid are weighing up a move for the French World Cup winner - with the club prioritising a move for him over Manchester United ace Paul Pogba.
Kante is also said to be attracting the interest of Barcelona, putting his future at Stamford Bridge in doubt.
Rice recently gave Chelsea hope of signing him after he insisted he would love to be reunited with best pal Mason Mount at club level.
Speaking last month to Copa90, he said: "Yeah I’d love to, I’d love to play with him at club level again.
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"One thing we’ve always said as kids we’d love to play with each other at club and international level but obviously you never know because of different paths and things like that."
Rice has featured for West Ham in 30 games in all competitions this season, with the defensive midfielder starting in every Premier League game so far.
Due to his impressive displays, he had been earmarked to start under Gareth Southgate in Euro 2020 this summer before the tournament was postponed by a year.