Chelsea have been backed to sign midfielder Declan Rice in the upcoming transfer window – and then play the England international out of position
According to transfer expert Ian McGarry, Declan Rice is wanted at Chelsea, as the England midfielder’s versatility could prove vital as the Blues look to shore up a vulnerable rearguard.
Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, McGarry said: “Another young player who’s making waves and is attracting attention is Declan Rice, the West Ham player, who started his time as an academy player at Chelsea and indeed is very much fancied by Chelsea with regards to a return.
“Our information at the Transfer Window podcast is that Frank Lampard’s feeling about the player is that he could become potentially a commanding presence in Chelsea’s defence, which of course would be taking him out of the defensive midfield role he currently fills for West Ham United,
but he did start as a centre-half and has both the physique and ability to play there. “But of course, if you’ve got a player who can play in two positions then why not?
“He’s currently under contract until 2024 at the London Stadium but he’s only 21, [and] has seven caps already for England. “Again, he fills all of those kind of box-ticking factors that we talk about with regards to young, English, talented, good with the ball at his feet, reads the game well etc.
We’ve talked a lot about Lampard’s desire to have a vocal presence in his defence which he feels is lacking. “Obviously he played for his entire time at Chelsea with John Terry who was very much that ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’ phrase.”