Chelsea want to sign Declan Rice and Frank Lampard has plan for West Ham star
Posted Thursday, June 11, 2020 by Express.co.uk
Chelsea have added West Ham star Declan Rice to their list of transfer targets.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard wants to sign West Ham star Declan Rice and play him as a central defender, according to transfer expert Ian McGarry. Rice has earned a reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League following his performances in midfield for West Ham. However, the 21-year-old started out as a centre-back and that is where Lampard sees his future.
Rice spent eight years in the Chelsea academy before leaving for the Hammers in 2014.
He is best friends with current Blues midfielder and England team-mate Mason Mount.
McGarry says Lampard is keen on strengthening in defence and sees Rice as the "vocal presence" at the back that his team have been lacking.
Chelsea sit third in the Premier League table ahead of the resumption later this month.
Chelsea transfer news: Declan Rice is a target for Frank Lampard who wants to play him in defence (Image: GETTY)
"He's currently under contract until 2024 at the London Stadium but he's only 21, has seven caps already for England, again he fills all of those kind of box-ticking factors that we talk about with regards to young, English, talented, good with the ball at his feet, reads the game well etc.
"We've talked a lot about Lampard's desire to have a vocal presence in his defence which he feels is lacking.
"Obviously he played for his entire time at Chelsea with John Terry who was very much that 'Captain, Leader, Legend' phrase."
McGarry says West Ham would want between £50million and £60m for Rice.
Chelsea are already closing in on the signing of Timo Werner for £49m and are also interested in Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz.
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