View: West Ham set to keep hold of main talent as Chelsea reportedly look elsewhere
The ongoing story of Chelsea’s interest in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice continues to gather pace with new reports nearly posted daily.
It was reported by the Times that the Irons value the England international at £80million, and that Frank Lampard would try his luck with a swap deal instead.
West Ham are said to have rejected an offer including both Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley, with David Moyes keen to keep hold of the midfielder.
Finally, though, West Ham fans could have something to cheer about.
The Sun has reported on their website that Chelsea have switched their attention to Brighton defender Lewis Dunk.
It is reported that the Seagulls captain could be available for half the price of Rice, with £40million their asking price.
With Frank Lampard set to use Rice as a defender if he managed to get a deal over the line, so a move for Dunk would surely see the Irons rest easy.
Paul Merson recently labelled Rice as a “top-class” midfielder and he could see why Chelsea are interested.
That sort of praise from a great of the Premier League proves that the Hammers have produced a brilliant talent and the London Stadium, and should do all they can to keep him.
With Rice growing up in the Chelsea academy and supporting the Blues, there was always going to be nerves around his future from the Irons faithful.
Should Dunk be announced at Stamford Bridge, West Ham can finally rest easy knowing that for atleast one more season, Rice will be in claret and blue.
In other West Ham United news, Pablo Fornals blown away by Irons defender when naming his dream starting XI