Chelsea favourites to sign Declan Rice

Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice at the end of the campaign.

The England international has spent his entire playing career with the Hammers but could leave the club next summer.

His current contract effectively expires in June 2025, and the Hammers are prepared to sell him amid his ongoing impasse.

Rice has turned down three contract proposals from the club and there is now an acceptance that he could head for a departure.

Chelsea have been long-term admirers of his services and it is now claimed that they are preparing a big-money move for him.

Rice was valued at a staggering £150 million last summer, but The Telegraph report that he could now be sold for £70 million.

The Blues are confident of winning the race to sign him ahead of the likes of Manchester City and Manchester United.

Rice was previously in the youth academy at Chelsea before being released as a 14-year-old. He is said to be eyeing a reunion.