Tony Cottee believes Chelsea would be Declan Rice's preferred choice should he decide to leave West Ham.
The England international has been the subject of interest from Manchester United and Chelsea in recent transfer windows.
That speculation could intensify next summer thanks to Rice's outstanding form for the Hammers so far this season.
Former West Ham star Cottee told Betting Expert: 'If Declan was to decide to leave, I think he'll go to Chelsea.
'The reason for that is he was at Chelsea as a kid. He is best friends with Mason Mount, and he's grew up with all the young kids at the club.
'You know, Tammy Abraham, he's in Italy now, but he grew up with him and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Reece James. All those young boys that are playing so well for Chelsea, Declan is friends with them.'
Cottee added that he believes West Ham will need to win a cup or qualify for the Champions League to keep hold of their star player.
He said: 'It doesn’t have to be the Europa League. It could be the FA Cup, it could be the Carabao Cup. But winning a cup and Declan enjoying the feeling of winning with West Ham.
'The club hasn’t won a cup for 41 years now. It’ll be 42 years next year. 1980. So a long, long time.'
He added: 'And the other way, of course, is to get into the Champions League.'
Rice was the subject of interest from Chelsea under Frank Lampard's helm at the club.
The 22-year-old was at Chelsea before he was released from their academy at the age of 14 and joined West Ham.
Recently, he has been more strongly linked with Manchester United who are in need of strengthening their midfield from current options Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic.