Chelsea hierarchy not keen on Declan Rice transfer

Chelsea are unlikely to make a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this month and could drop their interest altogether.

The 21-year-old was heavily tipped to join the Blues last summer, but a deal never materialised before the transfer deadline.

He has since been regularly linked with the west London side, but David Ornstein claims that the midfielder is no longer a priority target.

Blues boss Frank Lampard is a huge admirer of the England international, but the club's hierarchy have their reservations over the midfielder.

While the Hammers' £80m asking price remains stiff, the hierarchy are not convinced by the midfielder's ability as a whole.

Rice has more than three years remaining on his Hammers contract with the option for another 12 months.

He has recently been handed the captain's armband on a regular basis and is regarded as a undisputed starter in the midfield.

Rice has been ever-present for the Hammers in the Premier League this term. He has missed just one league game for them since September 2018.