Declan Rice is in line to turn down a third contract offer from West Ham United to extend his stay with The Hammers which gives Chelsea a major boost in their attempts to sign the England international.
Rice has been a long-term target for the Stamford Bridge outfit and with Thomas Tuchel keen to make some major moves in this summer’s transfer window, his first as the Chelsea boss, he has eyed up a swoop for the highly-rated West Ham United man.
The Hammers have made repeated attempts to lure Rice into accepting a wage bump and stay put at the club beyond this summer but it is understood that the midfield maestro has made it clear he wants to seal a move to his long-term suitors in Chelsea.
The Telegraph’s Matt Law, while speaking on the London Is Blue podcast has added fuel to fire by claiming that Rice is set to rebuff a third such attempt from West Ham directed at the player committing his long-term future to the Hammers.
Chelsea could gain from such a turn of events with West Ham United then backed to ponder over offers in the region of £60 million coming their way to part ways with the 22-year-old Rice who is one of the most influential figures on the club’s teamsheet.
“Declan Rice would reject a third contract offer from West Ham. He wants to be made aware of any bids made for him.”
“West Ham would have to have a serious think about any bid that came in over £60m because of the situation.”
