West Ham star Declan Rice has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea, Metro.co.uk reports.
Rice is a first team regular for the Hammers but spent seven years in Chelsea’s academy before joining West Ham at the age of 14 following his release from the Blues.
Rice’s current contract with the Hammers runs until 2020, but despite the club having already held talks with the young starlet over extending deal, Rice has rejected an initial improved contract.
West Ham have offered the 19-year-old an improved deal which would see him earn around £20,000-a-week which the youngster has turned down, despite only currently earning £3,000-per-week.
Rice’s contract rejection has alerted his former club Chelsea who would be prepared to offer him a deal worth in the region of £40,000-a-week.
West Ham could be forced into selling Rice at the end of the season if they fail to tie him down to a new deal in order to avoid losing their star player on a free transfer.
Rice is sure to have several clubs chasing his signature at the end of the season should he chose not to extend his stay at the London Stadium.
