Chelsea may have their work cut out if they want to sign West Ham’s Declan Rice before the transfer window closes, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein. He says the midfielder is “not for sale under any circumstances”:

? This week @TheAthleticUK ?
⚽️ Rose learnt of losing Tottenham shirt number from TV #THFC
⚽️ West Ham stance is Rice not for sale under any circumstances + Emerson / Kolasinac among options #WHUFC #CFC #AFC
⚽️ New Fulham deal for Bryan #FFC
➕ Lots morehttps://t.co/Ukd2eBsICU

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 14, 2020

The Hammers are said to be determined to keep the 21-year-old due to the anger which resulted from the sale of promising youngster Grady Diangana to West Brom.

West Ham’s board are likely to hold out for an extremely high fee (reportedly £75m) which could scupper Chelsea’s chances of signing Rice before the transfer deadline next month. Blues boss Frank Lampard is a known admirer of the England international but there is likely to be a huge gulf between the two sides in terms of the valuation when negotiations begin.

There had been reports that Chelsea had already made an opening bid for the midfielder but that is not the case, and a formal offer is only likely to be made once the club finalises the signing of Rennes keeper Edouard Mendy.