The Blues are interested in making a move for Rice, who left the club at 14 years old to join Hammers, but it looks unlikely that Frank Lampard's side will be able to convince their rivals over negotiating a deal.
The 21-year-old still has four years left on his contract at the London Stadium with an option for a further year, while West Ham don't need to sell their midfielder unless relegation changes their financial outlook.
This is despite the Hammers having shown an interest in signing Ross Barkley in January, who could've been used as a potential makeweight.
Barkley is, however, still committed to the Blues and was in good form ahead of the current break in play due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Rice struck up friendships at Chelsea's academy base in Cobham during his time as a youth-team player at the club and retains a strong relationship with those who have rose through the ranks. That includes Mason Mount, with the pair having been best friends since they were eight years old.
The Blues remain unclear over possible transfer business in the summer, given the uncertainty over the 2019-20 season during the Covid-19 outbreak and when the window will be opened
0 Comments