Chelsea still interested in signing Declan Rice

Chelsea remain interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, a report from The Express claims.

The Blues were linked with the England international last summer, but a move did not materialise as they had already spent £225m on new signings.

Rice has continued to remain on the club's radar, and it is reported that the European champions are firm admirers of the midfielder.

The Blues changed their manager midway through the previous campaign with Thomas Tuchel replacing the sacked Frank Lampard.

Similar to Lampard, Tuchel is a big fan of the Hammers star, but a potential transfer could be delayed by another 12 months.

The Blues recently spent around £98m on Romelu Lukaku. They are now keen on landing Jules Kounde valued at over £50m.

The Hammers want around £80m for Rice. The Blues are unlikely to make a third marquee signing during the transfer window.

Rice is reportedly prepared to stay patient for a return to the west London giants, where he spent eight years in the academy.

He has rejected multiple contract offers from the Hammers, but won't force an exit during the ongoing transfer window.