Chelsea set to make Declan Rice transfer move in coming weeks with West Ham star their final act of summer spending
CHELSEA are plotting to make a transfer swoop for Declan Rice to finalise their summer spending spree.
The Blues have already splashed £230million in the current window to bring in the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz.
They are also hoping to stump up another £20m for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
But according to reporter Simon Phillips, the Blues are eyeing one more major deal before the window closes on October 5.
He wrote: “Mendy will be confirmed soon. Then Chelsea will make an offer for Declan Rice. Strap in for a busy last couple of weeks with outgoings as well!”
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That gives Frank Lampard just two-and-a-half weeks to get Rice through the door at Stamford Bridge.
Lamps sees 21-year-old midfielder Rice — who also plays in defence — as the ideal man to help the club get back in the Premier League title mix.
West Ham rate him at £80m and will do everything in their power to keep their academy graduate, who was released by Chelsea aged 14.
Chelsea, however, are determined to push the fee well down from the Hammers’ asking price.
Leicester had wanted £70m for Chilwell before settling for £50m and the Blues hope they can get a similar discount on his England team-mate.
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Chelsea fans were left convinced Rice would join them after the West Ham star was pictured with “Agent Drogba”.
The Hammers ace was enjoying a well-deserved holiday with best mate – and Blues star – Mason Mount in Mykonos, Greece when he bumped into the Ivorian icon.
Rice started the new Premier League season with West Ham last weekend but came under fire for his performance in the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle.