Frank Leboeuf urges Chelsea to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice. (imago Images)
According to ESPN (h/t Metro), Chelsea are leading the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham next summer, with Manchester United deciding to look at alternatives.
Both English clubs have been interested in procuring the youngster’s services next summer, with the Blues hoping to convince their youth academy product to return back home.
Tuchel currently has the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, and Saul Niguez, with the latter being signed on a loan move on deadline day. With Jorginho and Kante turning 30 this year or on the verge of doing so next year, signing a young defensive midfielder would be a clever move.
Additionally, there is no certainty over the fact that Saul’s move will be made permanent by the Stamford Bridge outfit. The club do have some youth talent in this area though in the form of Billy Gilmour, who is currently on loan to Norwich City. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also a viable option as he excelled in a deep role in the mid-week EFL Cup tie against Aston Villa.
However, Rice has 151 appearances for West Ham so far and has a lot more experience of playing in that role in the Premier League and for England as well.
In fact, signing the youngster may also have become a little less tough now, as rivals Manchester United have decided to look at alternatives. The Red Devils are not a fan of the 22-year-old’s £100million valuation and ‘believe’ that they could sign an alternative which might not need them to break their record transfer fee. (h/t Metro)
Thus, Tuchel & co are now in the driving seat to acquire the Englishman’s signature next summer as the Blues look to add quality in their ranks.
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