PL rivals enter the race for Chelsea target who could be available for just £50m

Liverpool are amongst the clubs interested in signing Chelsea transfer target Declan Rice

A report by The Guardian states that Liverpool, as well as Manchester City, are “circling” Chelsea target Declan Rice for a potential transfer.

This is bad news for the Blues as they would have to competition from two other big Premier League clubs. Nevertheless, in what is potentially good news, West Ham United are considering decreasing Rice’s valuation.

The club has felt the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. And hence, the versatile defender could be available for as less as £50million in the summer.

This is a big drop in his valuation considering that the Hammers demanded £80million for him in the summer of 2020. However, Chelsea are looking to play Rice in defence, which might not sit well with the defensive midfielder.

Fierce competition for Rice

The versatile 21-year-old can be deployed in multiple defensive positions. And Chelsea could use a player like that. In defence, Thiago Silva is already 36 years old and might not be a starter in the next couple of years.

And in defensive midfield, the ever-reliable N’Golo Kante and deep-lying playmaker Jorginho both turn 30 in 2021. Keeping that in mind, Rice could be a great long-term investment.

And even in the short-term, he could slip straight into the starting XI. After all, he has played every single minute in the league this season for West Ham.

However, Liverpool and City’s interest might complicate things for Frank Lampard. Both teams occasionally tend to play midfielders in defence and could end up beating Chelsea to Rice. (h/t The Guardian)

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• Tony Cascarino believes Chelsea will not back Frank Lampard in the January transfer window
• Chelsea star Ben Chilwell reveals how a visit to Cobham changed his future in the game
• Thiago Silva reassures Chelsea fans amidst a shocking run of form

But if Chelsea do manage to get the defensive midfielder for as little as £50million, then it could prove to be a very smart buy by the Blues.