Chelsea will reportedly not pursue Declan Rice following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel because they believe they already have two players to fill the defensive-midfield role. West Ham also believe Chelsea will not continue their pursuit of Rice after the sacking of Frank Lampard.
Chelsea transfer news: Declan Rice looks unlikely to join the Blues from West Ham (Image: GETTY)
Reports had claimed that Lampard viewed Rice as a long-term solution to Chelsea's defensive issues, playing the central role of a back three rather than in his more familiar midfield position.
However, Lampard was unable to get a deal over the line for Rice.
And now Lampard has left Chelsea, The Telegraph claim West Ham are confident Chelsea will no longer pursue the 22-year-old.
The report claims there is no strong desire from the Chelsea hierarchy to sign Rice due to the asking price of over £80million.
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Chelsea transfer news: Declan Rice would likely cost a club-record fee (Image: EXPRESS)
Tuchel is set to be appointed as the new Blues head coach imminently.
And he is said to be a fan of Jorginho, who is one of two players in the Chelsea squad who can play in defensive midfield, with N'Golo Kante being the other.
Chelsea chiefs believe the presence of Kante and Jorginho mean a move for Rice is not necessary.
West Ham boss David Moyes has insisted this week that Rice is not for sale.
"No matter who was the manager at Chelsea, or whoever came in, it would have been the same answer," Moyes said.
"I said it right at the start and I'm only repeating myself - Bank of England money would be required, and you might even need to add Bank of Scotland on to that as well because he has been so good."
Rice is one of just six outfield players in the Premier League to have played every minute of the first 19 matches of the season so far.
Rice also played every minute of the 38 games last term.
He has scored just three goals in his 131 career appearances for West Ham, and has netted once in 13 caps for England.