Chelsea are set to move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, which could take their summer spending above £250million.
The 21-year-old has previously been linked with a £65million move to Stamford Bridge this year as Blues boss Frank Lampard looks to boost his defensive options ahead of the 2020-21 Premier League campaign.
Should Rice agree terms with Chelsea, he will be added to their list of expensive recruits including Timo Werner for £131.3m, Ben Chilwell for £50m and Hakim Ziyech for £33.3m.
As it stands, West Ham are looking for £80million for their star player – which is £15m higher than Lampard has previously tabled.
However, the Blues manager is said to be willing to wait it out for Rice as he knows the Hammers will need to stump up the cash to buy this summer.
Lampard is also known for getting his way, having purchased Chilwell for £50m despite his asking price sitting at £70m.
Lampard believes the 21-year-old could be the difference for his Chelsea side as they look to push for the title next season.
Having spent most of his senior West Ham career as a holding midfielder, Lampard will look to shift Rice back into his defence to add much-needed security.
Hammers' manager David Moyes is reluctant to sell Rice, but given the little interest in Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini - who he is looking to offload - it is likely that the youngster will go.
Mancborn
1898
Eat rice, drink water and chill well.😂😏
Nesaiknruy_Legend
585
I'd love to sign Rice, but not for 80 million. We arent in a desperate situation to sign him we have Kante and Ampadu for DM and likely Jorginho if he dont go. At CB with Silva there we have other top young CBs too. Rice wouldnt be as needed as when I first wanted him. So around 40 to 50 million sounds reasonable. Lets not spend like 300+ million and have no squad chemistry. Some of the core needs to stay and play. Replacing everyone is also not a good idea, especially if Kante is 1 of them somehow. Rice for around 40-50 million is still worth it but any higher would be a huge mistake. And if I'm honest I'd prioritise a keeper ahead of Rice.
EmeraldJ
420
If you leave Lampard he will buy the whole market. I love his passion, unlike somebody that is doing nothing on the wheel
Holyiphe4336
384
Chelsea is doing well, I hope to see them being a strong team this coming season I want to see their new player’s performing well, so that the money won’t waste Come on my London mate
Rieblnps
141
I don't think it makes any sense at all bcoz we all know that Kante is far better than overrated Rice