Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has said the Blues should wait until the summer before adding Declan Rice to their squad, speaking to Stadium Astro.
The Australia international said the West Ham midfielder would be a good addition for Chelsea but the club should be in no rush to sign him in the January transfer window.
Schwarzer said: “There’s no doubt [Rice] is a really good player. Is he a priority for Chelsea in January? I don’t think so.
“I don’t really see why Chelsea need to go out and spend a ‘little bit more’ to get someone in January, particularly someone like Declan Rice.
“Will he add to the Chelsea squad? Of course he will. Is he a necessity in January, I don’t think so.”
The fact the 21-year-old is one of only four West Ham players to have played every minute in the Premier League this season shows how important he is for David Moyes’ system.
Blues boss Frank Lampard reportedly rates the defensive midfielder, who began his career at Chelsea, highly too.
According to The Telegraph, Lampard made up his mind some time ago that Rice is the last piece of his jigsaw.
In his press conference on Friday (via Sky Sports) Lampard said: “He’s a fantastic player for West Ham and England so fair play.
“His journey there after leaving Chelsea and going to West Ham is a good story to hear.
“It shows the player’s strength of character.”
Schwarzer said: “I think from West Ham’s point of view, they won’t want to lose him in January. It doesn’t matter how much money they get.
“In the summer, it’s a different story.”
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