Chelsea have been told to prioritise the signing of Jude Bellingham over Declan Rice. The England duo have both been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge recently as they continue to impress for club and country.
Bellingham and Rice impressed Monday afternoon, November 21, as the Three Lions defeated Iran 6-2 in their World Cup opener, with the former marking his display with a goal. Alongside Blues star Mason Mount in a three-man midfield, the pair of Chelsea targets performed well and gave supporters a glimpse of what Graham Potter's dream side could look like if Todd Boehly welcomed both to Stamford Bridge.
But, reports say that Bellingham and Rice could cost a combined £201million so, between Dietmar Hamann and Sven Goran-Eriksson, the west Londoners have been told who to prioritise. Speaking to Stake.com, the former Liverpool midfielder insisted that the West Ham captain is not a necessary signing for Chelsea, with Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic already in the ranks.
READ MORE: England player ratings vs Iran: Saka and Bellingham impress as England romp to 6-2 World Cup win
"Declan Rice can also fit into Manchester United’s team, as well as Liverpool’s," said Hamann. "I think United's probably the one.
"Arsenal have Thomas Partey, who plays that role brilliantly. Chelsea, I think they've got players in Jorginho and Kovacic who can play there.
"I think United will probably be the team where he is more tailor-made. Because I think that they are crying out for a player like Rice. Manchester United would for me be the most likely destination of interest, I am sure he will do well there."
Then, speaking to Midnite, the former England boss showered Bellingham with praise, claiming that the Borussia Dortmund star could become better than club legend Frank Lampard. Goran-Eriksson said: "Everyone loves having a young player like Jude Bellingham in the team.
"He's extremely difficult to take care of for the opponents. He reminds me of Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes because they had that gift as well. It's difficult to mark him [Bellingham]. Who knows, maybe Jude can become better than Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes, but if he can be as good as them then he'll be a very happy man."
Bellingham has been subject to long-term interest from Chelsea, football.london understands. The west Londoners watched the England international during his time as an academy player at Birmingham City but, after failing to act on their interest, the German giants swooped in and signed the wonderkid instead, who now has a £131million asking price.
Meanwhile Rice, who was released from Cobham at the age of 14, topped the Blues' shortlist last year alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, according to The Athletic. But a move for the Hammers star collapsed because the Hammers' £100million valuation was considered too 'steep'.
Though Chelsea could have the last laugh. David Moyes' side could be forced to sell Rice for just £70million in the summer, according to The Telegraph.
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