Chelsea clear favourites to sign West Ham United star

Chelsea have emerged as the front-runners to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The Blues were linked with the England international last summer, but a deal failed to materialise before the deadline.

In January, the club replaced Frank Lampard with Thomas Tuchel as their manager, but Rice has continued to be linked with them.

According to The Star, the west London giants don't face any competition for Rice with Manchester City reluctant to enter a bidding battle.

Manchester United have a similar stance on the player. The Blues would still need to break the bank to sign their former graduate.

Rice is reportedly valued in the region of £90 million, and the Hammers are unlikely to negotiate on the fee this summer.

The England international has three years remaining on his Hammers contract with the option for another 12 months.

David Moyes' side are in a strong position to keep hold of him unless the asking price is met in the forthcoming transfer window.