Transfer expert Ian McGarry Frank Lampard is keen on strengthening in defence and sees Rice as the “vocal presence” at the back that his team have been lacking.
McGarry said on the Transfer Window podcast: “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, 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.”
McGarry says West Ham would want between £50million and £60m for Rice.
Claret and Hugh say:
West Ham has been consistent that their star player is not for sale unless an unbelievable eye-watering sum is tabled that would be difficult to turn down.
There is no doubt that Declan Rice is admired by many Premier League managers including Lampard but as yet no formal bids have been received.
Club insiders say Rice would the very last player that would be sold if they were forced to and they certainly don’t desire to see him depart the club this summer.
Chelsea are reportedly set to pay £53m for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, do we really believe Lampard has the financial muscle to bid £70m or more for Rice?
Chelsea recorded a loss of nearly £100m last season and are not immune to the impact of the global pandemic with Abramowich cooling off his injection of cash to the West London side. Frank Lampard has reportedly been told by Chelsea owner Abramovich he must operate a strict one-in, one-out policy on transfers after an agreement was struck with RB Leipzig star Timo Werner paying the 24-year-old £200,000 per week.
Chelsea have a huge squad and plenty of ‘deadwood’ to sell off.
Lumpalard didn’t buy the likes of Jorginho, Zouma, Barkley, Kante, Ginkel, and of course Batsh*t who I prey to Odin, isn’t coming to WHU …. ever!