Fabrizio Romano: Declan Rice pushing for West Ham exit to join Chelsea
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is pushing for a move to Chelsea after the Blues targeted the Hammers star in the summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Chelsea tried to sign Rice in the summer but as the Hammers valued Rice at around £80 million they were unable to complete a deal.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano claimed that Rice wants to move to Stamford Bridge but claimed that the player is not going to force a move.
He said, “Declan Rice is pushing to join Chelsea but Declan has been respectful to West Ham.”
Romano went on to suggest that Rice wouldn’t go on strike or refuse to play for the Hammers but reiterated that he does want to leave the club.
It is not clear if Rice is pushing for a move in January but questions will have to be asked now this report has come to light.
West Ham fans recognise that it is unlikely that Rice would stay at the London Stadium forever but after his outstanding start to the season some may have hoped to keep hold of their star man for a while longer.
The good news is that Chelsea would still have to stump up a sizable fee for Rice but the fact that the 21-year-old is actively looking for a move away could make negotiations considerably easier.
You could argue that Rice is invaluable to the Hammers but £80 million would be a good deal for the young midfielder.
That fee would give the Irons considerable room to manoeuvre in the transfer market though they may find it tricky to replace their prized asset.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes has addressed his side’s January transfer plans.