Chelsea are ‘speaking to people close’ to West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice ahead of a potential move this summer, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Lowdown: Uncertain future

The Irons captain has now entered the final 18 months of his contract at the London Stadium and is currently facing an uncertain future having not yet committed to extending his stay.

Alongside the Blues, Premier League giants Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all monitoring the 24-year-old who has rejected multiple new contract offers.

David Moyes has claimed that the England international will be a ‘British transfer record’ whenever he departs, and with reports suggesting that they could look at Kalvin Phillips as a replacement, Graham Potter will be hoping to capitalise on this opportunity.

The Latest: Phillips’ comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Phillips revealed that Rice is Chelsea’s primary target this summer, with Todd Boehly already in contact with the player’s representatives regarding a potential deal. He said:

“Declan Rice still tops the list, as far as I've been told. But with Declan Rice, they're putting down the groundwork foundations. They are speaking to people close to him letting him know they're there and that they are going to be making a move for him in the summer.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Rice has been dubbed a midfield ‘controller’ and ‘dominator’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and Chelsea need to act fast to ensure they get a deal for him over the line before their fellow competitors.

The Adidas-sponsored star is naturally stronger in the defensive aspect of his game where he’s currently averaging 2.3 tackles per league 90 minutes but can be a threat in the final third having posted 23 senior goal contributions during his time at the London Stadium.

The Kingston upon Thames-born talent would also offer plenty of versatility with the ability to operate in central midfield and at centre-back, making him a useful option to have in the building.

Furthermore, Rice shares the same agent as Cesar Azpilicueta, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic, so this could give them the advantage in the race to bring him to Stamford Bridge.