Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is very keen on signing Declan Rice to provide him with another holding midfield player, according to The Athletic‘s Simon Johnson.
The former Blues correspondent for the Evening Standard says that Lampard does not see N’Golo Kante as a defensive midfielder and this has influenced his pursuit of the England international:
After a humbling defeat against #LFC, #CFC are likely to step up plans to sign a defensive midfielder. Kante is still a key part of the plans but not in this role. More here: https://t.co/zpNtXcsghl
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) September 21, 2020
There were claims last week that the Chelsea boss is not convinced by either Jorginho or Mateo Kovacic, meaning Rice has become a priority in the London club’s recruitment plans.
Various reports have suggested that the Blues will make an offer for the West Ham star once they have sealed the signing of Edouard Mendy from Rennes but it remains to be seen whether the Hammers will be open to selling.
It is thought they are likely to hold out for between £75m and £80m for the player, but Chelsea may propose a part-exchange deal with Emerson Palmieri said to be a player of interest to West Ham boss David Moyes.