West Ham United devise plan to keep Declan Rice

West Ham United are reportedly prepared to double the salary of midfielder Declan Rice amid the imminent interest from Chelsea.

The Blues were eager to sign the England international this summer, but a deal never materialised due to the Hammers' hefty £80m price tag.

The west London outfit have been fancied to come again at the turn of the year, but the Hammers are determined to keep hold of their prized asset.

Rice is not actively looking to leave the Hammers and The Sun claims that the hierarchy are willing to double his current £60,000-a-week wages.

The 21-year-old was in the Blues academy for eight years, but he was released at the age of 14. He has since progressed through the Hammers' youth system to become a regular with the senior squad.

Rice has been handed the captain's armband in three of the club's four Premier League games this term. His current deal expires in June 2024, but the club have the option to extend his stay for another year.