Declan Rice 'could transfer to Chelsea' says pundit
Chelsea are ready to let Fikayo Tomori depart on loan next season in order to sign Declan Rice, according to reports. The Blues are looking to strengthen defensively and have identified Rice as a long-term option at centre-back.
Rice has predominantly played as a holding midfielder for West Ham over the past three seasons, but also has the ability to operate in central defence.
And the 21-year-old has been identified as a long-term defensive option for Chelsea, who released Rice from their academy as a 14-year-old.
Chelsea transfer news: The Blues are interested in signing Declan Rice this summer (Image: GETTY)
Rice has attracted attention from several clubs including the Blues and Manchester United over the past few seasons, but West Ham are determined to fend off interest from their Premier League rivals.
Manager David Moyes has publicly said he wants to keep hold of the midfielder and the club quoted a price tag upwards of £70million in order to dissuade potential suitors.
With this in mind, Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer Fikayo Tomori on loan in order to convince West Ham to sanction the transfer.
The Athletic claim Tomori will leave on a temporary deal in order to make way for a new centre-back signing next season and could join the Hammers as leverage.
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The 22-year-old started the season in the starting XI but has fallen out of favour and made just three appearances since the turn of the year.
Tomori is currently working his way back to fitness following a hamstring injury but is behind Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge anyway.
Chelsea are therefore keen for the youngster to get some match action under his belt next, although they have high hopes for the defender and are refusing to consider a permanent departure.
Tomori was close to joining Everton on loan last summer but the deal was pulled following David Luiz's move to Arsenal.
Chelsea transfer news: Fikayo Tomori is currently working his way back to full fitness (Image: GETTY)
The Toffees could come back in for the centre-back but Chelsea would likely be more keen to see Tomori join West Ham if it helps them snap up Rice.
Rice is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024, although the England international is almost certain to depart if West Ham suffer relegation to the Championship.
Victory over Chelsea last week and a draw with Newcastle on Sunday has moved the club four points clear of the drop zone and strengthened their hand, but their resolve regarding Rice is still likely to be tested before the end of the summer.
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