Chelsea ‘eye £45m bid for West Ham’s Declan Rice as Frank Lampard plans to use midfielder as a centre back’

Declan Rice is wanted by Chelsea with his former club wanting him to lead their defence next season.

According to the Sun, Blues manager Frank Lampard wants the England international to follow his career path in leaving West Ham for Chelsea.

Rice has come through the ranks at West Ham after his release by Chelsea at the age of 14. His performances for the Hammers have since led him becoming an England international.

The West Ham defensive midfielder is equally adept at playing at centre back and the latter is reportedly where Lampard wants him to play.

As a result, the west London outfit believe a £45million transfer could seal Rice’s move from their local rivals.

However, Rice is integral to West Ham and would demand a fee around £70m if they were to part ways.

Ultimately though this figure would depend on West Ham’s league status for 2020-21 with the club currently only above the relegation zone courtesy of goal difference.