Manchester United target Declan Rice will join Chelsea this summer but the Blues must first offload N’Golo Kante if they’re to sign the West Ham United midfielder.
The England international is ready to leave West Ham, having made huge strides in his game over the past 18 months.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen on signing Rice last summer but the Red devils were put off by the Hammers’ £100m valuation of the player, while Frank Lampard was desperate to sign him during his time at Stamford Bridge.
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While Manchester City have also shown interest, it’s United and Chelsea that will be main bidders for Rice and the Daily Mail report Rice would favour a move to the London club.
Rice came through Chelsea’s academy before being released at the age of 14 and he still visits his hometown in west London.
He would prefer to remain in the area and feels that the club would provide a better chance of silverware than the Red devils, who last won a trophy in 2017.
But, Chelsea will only press ahead with a transfer move if Kante’s six-year stay at the London club comes to an end.
Chelsea do not need another defensive midfielder as it stands and would only be able to afford a £100m+ move for Rice if they sell Kante.
United’s chances of signing Rice could hinge on whether they qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Their win over the Hammers before the winter break helped United back into fourth place but they’re vying with West Ham, Arsenal and Spurs for the final spot in the top four.
