Chelsea to continue transfer spree with West Ham's Declan Rice as Lampard plots to use £45m-rated ace as centre-back

Posted Sunday, June 28, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk

Chelsea to continue transfer spree with West Ham's Declan Rice as Lampard plots to use £45m-rated ace as centre-back
Declan Rice could rejoin Chelsea to play in the heart of defence

CHELSEA want Declan Rice to lead their defence next season – and are growing confident they will wrap up a deal to sign the West Ham star this summer.

Frank Lampard is desperate for someone to come into the heart of his back line and help drive a challenge for the Premier League title next season.

Hammers star Rice is the man he wants, with Lampard keen to shift him from the holding midfield position he currently plays in back to his natural home in the centre of defence.

Chelsea have sounded out their London rivals over a deal this summer and believe they can get their man for around £45million.

And though he has forced his way into the England squad on the back of his displays in midfield, SunSport understands Rice himself would be open to changing positions.

The 21-year-old played at centre-back in the recent game against Wolves and Hammers boss David Moyes has said he is as good in the back line as he is in midfield.

That is ultimately where Lampard sees the former Chelsea trainee playing.

The Blues boss wants him to play the central role in a three-man defence as the club make a real challenge next season.

Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech have already been added to the club’s attacking options while Leicester’s Ben Chilwell is wanted to play as a wing-back on the left.

But the Blues know they have to strengthen in the centre of defence and Lampard has concerns there is no leader in the back line with the voice to organise his team.

Rice is seen as the answer, and even if they avoid relegation this season West Ham know it will be almost impossible to keep their best player for another year.