Declan Rice won't join Chelsea next month

Chelsea could reportedly wait until the summer before making a serious approach for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

The England international has been heavily linked with the Blues since the summer and it was recently claimed that they could make a move in January.

However, The Athletic claims that the Blues need to offload players first to recoup transfer funds and they are unlikely to afford Rice's valuation.

The Hammers are reluctant to consider the sale of their leading midfielder unless any club meets their £80m price tag.

Hence, the Blues may have to wait until the end of the campaign before making an attempt to sign their former academy graduate.

Aside from Rice, the west London giants have also been linked with an ambitious move for Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland.

The Norway international has been identified as a priority target for them during next summer's transfer window.

Real Madrid and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the young marksman.