Chelsea target Declan Rice to replace N’Golo Kante if he leaves

According to the Daily Mirror, Chelsea have identified former youth player Declan Rice as the perfect successor to N’Golo Kante in case the Frenchman leaves the club.

Kante has struggled to make an impact due to injuries this season. The 29-year-old has made just 22 appearances while scoring three goals. His future too is now in doubt following interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

According to the report, Kante is not keen on a move away. This has not stopped the Spaniards from making him their number one target over Paul Pogba.

The Blues, however, are looking to stay on top of things by earmarking a successor to the Frenchman if the worst comes to pass. Capable of playing in both defensive midfield and centre-back, Rice will offer Lampard a number of options.

West Ham are adamant to hold on to their prized possession and value the player at £70million minimum. Premier League rivals Manchester United are also interested.

A return to Stamford Bridge will see the youngster reunite with best friend Mason Mount at the place where it all began for the duo. Having joined the club as a 7-year-old, Rice was eventually released in 2014.

He then moved to West Ham, where he made the most of the opportunity given to him by Slaven Bilic.

His performances saw him win West Ham Players’ Player of the Year award while also being declared as Young Hammer of the Year for the third consecutive season. (h/t Mirror)

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Rice is one of the best young English midfielders in the league today. A return to Stamford Bridge after having proven his ability elsewhere will see the budding star redeem himself for being let go.