Chelsea are planning a lucrative player-plus-cash deal with West Ham United which would see their long-standing target Declan Rice move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
After a stellar campaign with the Hammers last season, as well as reaching the Euro 2020 final with England, the 22-year-old midfield maestro has attracted a lot of attention this transfer window.
And that attention looks to have been heightened after Rice allegedly rejected the chance to sign a new contract at West Ham - with the Blues now the red hot favourites to secure his sought-after signature.
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According to The Athletic, Chelsea's transfer chief Marina Granovskaia has made Rice a top target for the west London outfit and are primed to offer out-of-favour striker Tammy Abraham as lightweight in the deal.
Chelsea had Rice on their books at their Cobham academy when he was eight-years-old, but released him he was 14 - a decision they have come to regret.
Since then, Rice has shone for the Hammers and has established himself as a staple for Gareth Southgate in the England team.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, is also said to be an admirer of Rice and is reportedly happy to allow Abraham to leave in order to lower the asking fee for the midfielder.
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Abraham fell out of favour under Tuchel when he arrived in January, starting just three matches since he succeeded Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are confident that offering Abraham will reduce West Ham's asking fee, with reports suggesting they are demanding up to £100m for his services. But will Chelsea be able to get a deal over the line? Only time will tell.
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Chelsea, West Ham United, Declan Rice
