According to a report from the Guardian, while Chelsea remain in the hunt for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, the Blues will need to raise transfer funds through player sales in order to make it happen. 

Meanwhile, reports linking Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz with a move continue to accelerate, with this Guardian update claiming Chelsea 'edge closer' to securing a deal for the 6ft 2 attacker.

In this piece, journalist Jacob Steinburg claims that Frank Lampard's side still 'want' Hammers star Rice, who is valued at £44.5 million by Transfermarkt, and they have listed a number of potential Chelsea players who could make way to balance the books.

Indeed, Emerson Palmieri and Jorginho are two candidates who could leave Stamford Bridge, with both men attracting interest from Serie A giants.

Meanwhile, sporting director Marina Granovskaia may have informed manager Lampard that he will need to sell one of his four centre-backs before potentially investing in a new defensive asset.

Given Rice's accolades last season, as well as his growing reputation, it's little wonder why the west London side are contemplating a move for the England international.

According to WhoScored, the 21-year-old averaged an impressive 3.1 tackles per 90 over 2019/2020, more than any Chelsea man in that time - all whilst making the same number of interceptions (2) as Blues star N'Golo Kante.

These numbers, while noteworthy, could support the theory he is in a 'similar' mould to ex-Premier League star Javier Mascherano - as claimed by former West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini (BBC).

While Chelsea have a number of transfer targets on their minds, Rice should arguably stay at the forefront, especially if Lampard hopes to patch up an otherwise leaky defence.

Blues, should Declan Rice be a priority transfer target for Granovskaia? Join the discussion by commenting below...