Chelsea planning £80m bid for Euro 2020 finalist?

Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

The England international was linked with the Blues last summer, but a deal did not materialise between the clubs.

They are prepared to try again this summer, and have received a boost with the midfielder rejecting a contract extension.

Rice has the hunger to win trophies after the Euro 2020 final setback, and the Blues are weighing up an approach.

They are prepared to hand him a £200,000-a-week salary. They will first need to meet the Hammers' £80m price tag.

Rice was in the Blues academy for eight years, but he was released at the age of 14. He is reportedly keen on a comeback.

The Blues have N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Billy Gilmour, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic as the defensive midfielders.

Gilmour has been loaned out to Norwich City. Loftus-Cheek could be heading through the exit door in the coming weeks.

Thomas Tuchel has preferred to rotate his midfielders around. He may want four options in the squad ahead of next season.

Rice can also play in central defence. He would be a quality addition for the Blues as they look to mount a serious title challenge.