MX23RW : Saturday, April 20 04:41:51| >> :120:22638:22638:

Numbers available to Declan Rice at Chelsea

Sports Mole looks at the shirt numbers available for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice should he make the switch to Chelsea.

While Chelsea have already been proactive in the transfer market ahead of next season, it would come as a surprise if more fresh faces did not arrive at Stamford Bridge over the coming months.

At a time when the Blues need to improve the defensive side of their game, West Ham United's Declan Rice is being linked with a switch across London.

Much could depend on whether the Hammers are able to avoid relegation to the Championship, a fate which would leave the club needing to sell their most prized asset.

Nevertheless, with few clubs being able to afford the 21-year-old due to the coronavirus pandemic, a transfer to Chelsea is arguably the most realistic option on the table.

Here, Sports Mole looks at the numbers likely to be available to Rice should he make the move to the West Londoners before the end of the next transfer window.


Declan Rice in action for West Ham on January 22, 2020© Reuters

Although Rice has continued to wear the number 41 shirt at the London Stadium, he would likely be provided with a more traditional number for a player in his position should he sign for Chelsea.

As it stands, number six, a shirt usually designated for a centre-back or defensive midfielder, is vacant, and Rice taking on that jersey appears to be a natural fit.

If Andreas Christensen or Jorginho are sold over the coming months, the number four and five shirts would become available and be regarded as suitable options for Rice.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice pictured in January 2020© Reuters

Realistically, those three numbers are the only numbers which will come under consideration, but Rice will still have other shirts at his disposal.

The currently-vacant number 16 shirt is an outside option, as is the 41 which he has worn during his time in the first team at West Ham.

Nevertheless, with no other players expected to take on number six before his possible arrival, everything points to Rice occupying that jersey.

ID:404806: cacheID:404806:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:3960:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice pictured in January 2020
Read Next:
Chelsea 'learn asking price for Declan Rice'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City32227376324473
2Arsenal32225575264971
3Liverpool32218372314171
4Aston Villa33196868491963
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs32186865491660
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle321551269521750
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd32155124748-150
8West Ham UnitedWest Ham33139115258-648
9Chelsea31138106152947
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton321111105250244
11Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32127134651-543
12Fulham33126154951-242
13Bournemouth32119124757-1042
14Crystal Palace3289153754-1733
15Brentford3388174758-1132
16Everton3298153248-1627
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3379174258-1626
18Luton TownLuton3367204670-2425
19Burnley3348213368-3520
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd3237223084-5416


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!