Chelsea get boost to sign West Ham target

Chelsea have been handed a boost after their West Ham target Declan Rice revealed his intention to remain in London for a long term.

This comes after Rice, in a statement, said he does not see himself spending a significant part of his career away from London.

Rice came through the academy setup at West Ham to make a total of 171 appearances in all competitions, while the 23-year-old has a contract at the London Stadium until 2024.

However, transfer speculation of Rice moving to Chelsea in future and his latest statement about wanting to remain in London may have served as a transfer boost for the Blues.

Speaking to The Overlap, the England international said: “I’m here all the time. I’ve always wanted to stay close to this place, I feel like I don’t want to lose my roots.”

Having been questioned on his Chelsea background, he added: “Yeah, growing up the whole family was Chelsea. I feel like it’s out there – everyone knows, it’s well documented.

“But I feel like when you play for a club like West Ham you become really affiliated to it, and there’s part of me now – and my family as well – that is a massive West Ham fan.”