Journalist Adam Newson has told the London is Blue podcast that Declan Rice is very keen on joining Chelsea if the Blues qualify for the Champions League.
The midfielder has been of interest to a number of Premier League sides as he looks destined to leave West Ham United at the end of the season.
The Hammers enjoyed a successful campaign last year, keeping hold of Rice with the qualification for the Europa Conference League.
However, they linger towards the bottom of the table as of now, with manager David Moyes under pressure.
Players in that position have been high on the agenda for Chelsea since the transfer window began.
They pushed hard to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica, although eventually fell way short of what the Portuguese side desired.
Rice still wants Chelsea move
Now, reports have linked them with a move to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
While the Seagulls reportedly don’t want to sell him, the Blues have apparently tested the waters with a bid of around £65m.
Throughout all of this, Rice is a name who has remained on the rumour mill as a potential signing.
Newson has claimed that the interest from the 23-year-old is very much there for a move, although it may depend on where they finish in the league.
He said: “If the money’s right for West Ham, Rice would be very keen on coming back to Chelsea. But if Chelsea don’t qualify for the UCL, then maybe things can change.”
The Blues are currently 10th in the league after what has been a dire first half of the campaign.
There have also been reports that Arsenal are further ahead in the race to complete the signing , making it perhaps double unlikely that we see Rice at Stamford Bridge next year.
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