Chelsea planning to sign Declan Rice?

Chelsea are reportedly planning an approach for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice at the end of the season.

The Blues were on the look out for a defensive midfielder last summer and ended up signing Denis Zakaria on loan from Juventus.

However, the Swiss has hardly played for them this campaign and it is expected that he will return to Turin in the summer.

Ajax's Edson Alvarez has been linked in recent months, but The Telegraph claim that Rice could be the main target for the Blues.

The west London giants are long-term admirers of the England international and he could be available for around £70 million.

Rice has spent his entire playing career with the Hammers, but he is said to have the ambition to win trophies and play in the Champions League.

Aside from Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United could also be potential destinations for the Hammers captain next summer.

Rice is expected to reject a new long-term deal at West Ham.