Chelsea hold long-term interest in English midfielder

Chelsea reportedly have a long-term interest in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice and could make an approach to sign him next summer.

The England international was heavily linked with the Blues earlier this year, but the Hammers' £80m price tag put them off from making an approach.

Still, Rice has been regularly linked with a return to the west London outfit, where he spent a major part of his academy career.

According to Goal, the Blues are keeping a close eye on the midfielder's situation and could move for his services at the end of the season.

Frank Lampard was apparently keen on bringing Rice to the club in the summer, but the club could not recoup sufficient funds from player sales.

The club spent more than £220m on seven players and that meant that they needed to balance their books before making another high-profile signing.

The Blues have made a positive start to the current Premier League season and they are currently two points adrift of the top of the table.