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Chelsea fans send Declan Rice transfer message to board after display against N'Golo Kante
Chelsea fans want the Blues to make a move for Declan Rice following his latest performance for West Ham.
Declan Rice 'could transfer to Chelsea' says pundit
Chelsea supporters are keen for the club to make an approach for Declan Rice following the Blues' clash with West Ham at the London Stadium. The 21-year-old lined up in central midfield for David Moyes' side, putting him up against Ross Barkley, Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante.
However, Rice has been touted as a possible long-term solution to Chelsea's problems in central defence with Frank Lampard supposedly keen on reverting him to a centre-back.
The Hammers ace started his career as a defender in the Chelsea academy before moving across London at the age of 14.
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Rice has subsequently pushed forward into a holding role, having established himself in the West Ham midfield over the past three seasons.
His displays in the Premier League have led Manchester United and Chelsea to both take an interest in the England international, and it looks like the Blues are leading the race to sign him this summer.
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Rice has reportedly been valued at around £45million, with the youngster praised for his discipline and defensive awareness as well as his skill in possession.
West Ham's clash with Chelsea this week was billed as something of an audition for Rice ahead of an expected approach by Chelsea this summer.
And Blues fans were quick to offer their opinion on the transfer target after scouting the player's display against Kante and co.
Supporters were impressed, with one saying: "Declan Rice is always in the right place at the right time. Underrated and the hate he gets is unjustified."
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"Declan Rice future Chelsea FC captain" and "Declan Rice having a solid audition so far" were two other responses.
"Declan Rice is having a decent game against us again," said another fan.
A couple of Blues would be happy to see Rice come straight in the side next season, with one saying "Rice for Kante looking scrumptious" while another said "Seen the light. Declan Rice in, Kante out!"
While another is hoping Chelsea can move quickly in the transfer market and said: "Imagine if Declan Rice puts a real captain's performance and impresses Lampard even more today. 50million done deal then."
Chelsea manager Lampard is in the process of overhauling the first-team squad at Stamford Bridge and has already secured two signings ahead of the summer window.
A £33.4m deal for Hakim Ziyech was penned in February while the Blues agreed to trigger Timo Werner's £53m release clause at RB Leipzig last month.
Chelsea are also monitoring Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell while a number of players including Michy Batshuayi and Emerson Palmieri are expected to depart.
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