Sunday's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup: Dayot Upamecano, Declan Rice, Olivier Giroud

The January transfer window is now open, with Chelsea continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

The Blues were the biggest spenders in the summer, splashing more than £200m, but they have been tipped to do yet more business in January as they look to bridge the gap to the leading pack in the Premier League.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Stamford Bridge.

Sunday morning's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup:

Liverpool 'make Dayot Upamecano contact but also want Ibrahima Konate'

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Liverpool have reportedly made contact with the representatives of RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano but are also interested in the Frenchman's teammate Ibrahima Konate.

Upamecano is widely expected to leave the Red Bull Arena during this summer's transfer window when a €42m (£37.3m) release clause in his contract comes into play.

According to Bild, Liverpool have made contact with the 22-year-old to discuss a move to Anfield, although the club are likely to face competition from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

The report claims that Jurgen Klopp's side are also interested in Upamecano's Leipzig teammate Konate, who has also impressed during his time with the German outfit.

Konate, 21, has a contract with the Bundesliga club until the summer of 2023, and Arsenal have previously been credited with an interest in his services.

Liverpool currently have injury problems in the middle of their defence with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both on the sidelines with long-term knee problems.

Manchester United 'preparing to battle Chelsea for Declan Rice'

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Manchester United are reportedly ready to go head to head with Chelsea for the signature of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for the Hammers during the 2020-21 campaign, making 19 appearances in all competitions and not missing a single minute of Premier League action.

Rice has a contract at the London Stadium until June 2024, with the option of a further year, but there is thought to be significant interest in the England international from Chelsea.

Blues boss Frank Lampard is allegedly keen to bring the midfielder to Stamford Bridge, but according to ESPN, United are firmly in the hunt for a player who could cost in the region of £70m.

A recent report claimed that Rice was not interested in moving to Old Trafford as he wanted to remain in London, seemingly making Chelsea the favourites for his signature.

The Englishman has made 128 appearances for West Ham in all competitions.

More transfer news from Chelsea:

Chelsea 'battling to keep Olivier Giroud amid Juventus interest'
Olivier Giroud reportedly remains on the radar of Juventus despite affirming that he wants to stay on at Chelsea for the rest of the season. Read more.