Chelsea will be in a fight to sign Declan Rice in the summer but won't be allowing the West Ham captain to move anywhere without fighting their own corner.
The Blues have held interest in Rice for several seasons but look increasingly likely to be amongst a group of parties that will snap him up next year as he enters the final 18 months of his contract. Rice's deal expires in 2024 and can negotiate a free deal away in just over 12 months time.
The Hammers, who have always remained firm in their stance that he isn't for sale, are slowly being backed into a corner with their skipper though as he refuses to sign and extension and the prospect of losing slowly becomes a reality.
