Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for midfielder Declan Rice but it looks like West Ham United are really not in the mood to sell him in the summer.
Rice joined the Hammers academy from the Chelsea youth academy back in 2013 but there have been heavy rumours that the 21-year-old wants to return to Stamford Bridge next season.
But manager David Moyes is fighting tooth and nail in order to hold onto his most prized asset, despite the Blues offering as many as two players in a swap deal.
As per a report in the Guardian: “West Ham will turn down any attempt by Chelsea to offer Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley as part of a deal for Declan Rice and are adamant they have no intention of selling the midfielder.
“Frank Lampard is searching for defensive reinforcements and has targeted Rice, who was released by Chelsea at the age of 14. The England international has flourished as a defensive midfielder in the past two seasons but is also capable of playing in central defence.
“Although West Ham need to sell players to raise their transfer budget, it is understood they are not interested in a swap deal involving Batshuayi and Barkley and are confident they are capable of holding on to Rice.
“A move across the capital would appeal to the 21-year-old but his contract runs until 2024, enabling West Ham to put a hefty price on him. Another snag is that Batshuayi, who has a year on a contract worth £120,000 a week, is said to have no interest in joining West Ham.”
It’s not a major surprise that West Ham United are not letting Declan Rice leave but we have a feeling if Chelsea offer a hefty sum of money, the London side will buckle under pressure.
The Blues have already spent money in signing Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner and as per some reports, Lampard is also trying to bring in a new keeper during the summer.
So what remains to be seen if the Chelsea management are willing to spend big on Declan Rice especially when they have players like Jorginho and N’Golo Kante amongst their ranks.
