Chelsea ready to ‘test the water’ with opening Declan Rice transfer bid

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Chelsea are preparing an opening transfer bid for West Ham star Declan Rice (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea are ready to ‘test the water’ with an opening bid for West Ham and England star Declan Rice, reports say.

The Blues first expressed interest in signing Rice last summer under former manager Frank Lampard, but his successor Thomas Tuchel is also keen to welcome the 22-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

Rice in fact started his football career at Chelsea, spending almost a decade at the club’s academy before being released in 2014 and joining London rivals West Ham.

The midfielder, who can also play at centre-back, has since developed into one of the Hammers’ best players and is valued at £100m by the east London club.

David Moyes’ charge are trying to price Rice out of the market, with Chelsea hoping to secure his signature for around £60-70m.

While West Ham are reluctant to lose Rice, Eurosport say Chelsea are preparing to ‘test the water’ with an opening offer for England’s Euro 2020 star.

It is claimed Rice would ‘jump at the chance’ to join Chelsea and will continue to refuse to sign a contract extension at the London Stadium as he seeks a return to the Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel wants to bring the England Euro 2020 star to Stamford Bridge

Thomas Tuchel wants to bring the England Euro 2020 star to Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty)

Rice is believed to be concerned about West Ham’s ambition as they are yet to bolster Moyes’ squad this summer and are set to miss out on a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, who thrived whilst on loan last season.

Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Rice over the past 12 months and former Arsenal star Ray Parlour says there will be ‘a lot of takers’ for the midfielder this summer, although he hopes he stays at West Ham.

‘He was probably one of England’s best midfielders in the Euros final,’ Parlour told talkSPORT. ‘He’s a great player.

‘I’m sure they will come to an agreement where he signs a new contract and that secures West Ham as well.

‘So West Ham now will get top money for him if he does move on, a little bit like Jack Grealish when he signed a big five-year contract. Aston Villa know someone will have to pay big money now for Jack and Declan will be the same.’

The ex-England midfielder added: ‘I think it’s down to the player and I’m sure there will be a lot of takers for Declan Rice after the Euros he’s had as well.

‘But I think one more season at West Ham wouldn’t do him no [harm], skipper as well. That’s a big thing for him.’

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