Chelsea 'still intent on signing Declan Rice'

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is reportedly still a leading transfer target for Chelsea.

The Blues were strongly linked with the 21-year-old over the summer, but West Ham are believed to have made it clear that they would not consider offers of less than £70m for the England international.

Rice has been in strong form for the Hammers in the early stages of the 2020-21 campaign and has captained David Moyes's side in five of their six Premier League fixtures this term.

According to the Daily Star, Chelsea are still intent on re-signing the defensive midfielder, with Blues boss Frank Lampard viewing him as a priority transfer target.

The report, though, claims that West Ham are currently drawing up a new contract for Rice, which would see him increase his wages to £120,000 a week, and are hopeful of agreeing a deal in the coming weeks.

Rice, who is now a key player for the English national team under Gareth Southgate, was released from the Chelsea academy at the age of 14, having failed to make the grade at Stamford Bridge.