Declan Rice’s preference is a move to Chelsea over Manchester United, despite the current uncertainty at Stamford Bridge.
West Ham are expecting significant interest in the midfielder this summer with some of the Premier League’s leading sides considering an approach for Rice, who has turned down the chance of a new contract at the London Stadium.
The Hammers are reluctant to lose the England international and have set an asking price of £150m for the 23-year-old, a figure which would eclipse the British transfer record of £100m set by Man City in their purchase of Jack Grealish.
The London Evening Standard are reporting that both Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on a deal to sign Rice, though the latter are currently unable to purchase players at present following the government sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich.
Despite the uncertainty at Chelsea, Rice’s preference remains a move across the capital should he leave West Ham and a return to the side that released him as a teenager.
West Ham will hope that Champions League qualification can persuade Rice to remain at the club, though David Moyes’ side face a difficult challenge to secure a top four finish. The Europa League offers an alternative route in the Champions League should the Hammers win the competition and the East Londoners will face Lyon in the quarter-finals next month.
West Ham remain in a strong position despite Rice’s rejection of two lucrative contract offers and it will take a record-breaking bid to prise the midfielder from the club this summer.
Rice has two years remaining on his deal at West Ham, though the Hammers have the option to extend that deal by a further season.
