Chelsea could make January move for Premier League midfielder

Chelsea could make an attempt to sign midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham United next month, if they are able to recoup sufficient funds from player sales.

The England international was heavily touted to join the Blues in the summer, but a deal failed to materialise as they could not afford his £70m price tag after spending more than £220m on seven players.

Rice has since continued his good form for the Hammers in the centre of the park and his team are flying high in the fifth position with 20 points already on the board.

According to Football.London, Blues boss Frank Lampard still has the ambition of bringing Rice back to the club, where he spent eight years in the academy.

The Hammers are still looking for around £70m and it is claimed that his arrival may largely depend on whether the club can sanction permanent deals for some of the unwanted players.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Antonio Rudiger are among the regular starters from last season, who could head for the exit door during the winter transfer window.