David Sullivan has hit out at a “rubbish” report claiming that Chelsea tried to sign Declan Rice in the summer.

The Blues have long been linked with a potential bid to sign the England international and journalist Simon Phillips claimed that the club made a big push to sign Rice in the summer.

However, Hammers News has contacted Sullivan directly to try to verify the report.

And Sullivan insists that there was never any chance of Rice leaving the Irons this summer.

He said: “Rubbish, he was not for sale this window at any price.

“We said that at the start of the window and stuck to it.”

That tallies with everything C&H has written about Rice and Chelsea in the last few months.

Right at the start of the summer transfer window, Rice and the Hammers reached an agreement over his future; he has committed to another season at the club at least, with the Hammers potentially willing to discuss a deal next summer, provided the right fee is offered by any potential suitor.