Chelsea prepared to replace N'Golo Kanté with West Ham's Declan Rice | OneFootball

Chelsea are ready to make a move for West Ham’s Declan Rice this summer, but only if they lose N’Golo Kanté to Real Madrid.

The La Liga giants had been expected to try and tempt Paul Pogba from Manchester United, but have seemingly decided to alter course.

Instead, according to Mailonline, Real appear to want to raid Stamford Bridge again and reunite Kanté with Eden Hazard, who joined Los Blancos from the Blues last year.

In that event, Chelsea see Declan Rice as the perfect replacement for Kanté’s all-action style in midfield.

The 21-year-old had been on Chelsea’s books as a youth player until he was released at the age of 14.

He subsequently switched the West End of London for the East End and blossomed in the Hammers’ academy.

West Ham are aware of Chelsea’s interest in Rice, and are determined not to sell on the cheap by demanding £70m for his services.

Eyebrows were raised recently when Rice referred to his old friend and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount by telling Copa 90: “I’d love to play with him at club level again.”

Manchester United and Arsenal have also been linked with the England international, but Chelsea would appear to be in box seat should they opt to pursue Rice when the transfer window opens.