Chelsea lining up move for £30m-rated Dortmund star
According to reports, Chelsea will reportedly keep a close eye on Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham in case they can’t sign Declan Rice.
Frank Lampard wanted to bring in Rice back in the summer, but a deal never materialised.
The Chelsea chief is still said to be keen on bringing the 21-year-old star in, but West Ham United are standing firm on their £70 million valuation of their player.
And according to Eurosport, Chelsea will monitor how Bellingham develops at BVB as they consider him a possible alternative to Rice in the future.
The 17-year-old midfielder was courted by Europe’s elite clubs last summer following an outstanding breakthrough season at Birmingham City.
But in spite of interest from the likes of Manchester United, Jude opted to move to the Bundesliga giants to fast-track his progress.
The report states that although Frank views Rice as the ‘perfect addition’, Chelsea’s board are asking questions over whether they need the player at this moment in time.
The west London club are also understood to be considering moving for Bellingham ahead of Declan in 2022 if they can get through until then with midfielder N’Golo Kante in midfield.
The report also says that the Blues are admirers of the fact that Jude can operate as either or a number eight or number six in midfield.
He marked his rapid rise to the top with another major milestone as Jude made his England debut in the 3-0 friendly victory over the Republic of Ireland two weeks ago.
He came on as a second-half substitute and became his country’s third-youngest full international.