Chelsea want 21-year-old talent to snub contract extension deal
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are hopeful that their midfield target Declan Rice will reject West Ham’s efforts to tie him down to a fresh deal as they are plotting a move for him in the January transfer market.
The England international was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, where Declan began his youth career, in the recent transfer market.
However, the Blues didn’t make an official bid because the club were unable to sell players and raise the funds needed to make a formal move.
The Blues had the permanent transfers of two senior team players in place, but the deals fell through before October’s deadline and a move for Declan was put on hold.
In spite of not being able to sign the 21-year-old, the Blues haven’t given up hopes of roping the star in from West Ham and are eyeing a move in January.
The Stamford Bridge heavyweights are hopeful that Declan will pay no heed to the Hammers’ efforts to tie him down to a new contract as they retain aspirations of signing him.
The Englishman has a contract with the Irons until the summer of 2024, but David Moyes’ outfit want to discuss fresh terms and offer significant pay rise to ensure Rice stays put.
Chelsea are hopeful that the star will reject such an approach from the management as they look to try and seal a deal for the midfielder in January.
However, signing Rice from the city rivals could still be a difficult task for Frank Lampard’s side to pull off in the winter transfer window.