Chelsea have reportedly identified Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham as an alternative target should they fail to sign Declan Rice.
The Blues had hoped to land Rice during their summer spending splurge but were unable to agree a fee with West Ham United, who value the 21-year-old in the region of £70m.
Eurosport suggests that Chelsea have not yet ruled out bringing in Rice next year, but other candidates are now being lined up.
Bellingham is said to be one of those being considered by Frank Lampard, despite the youngster only joining Dortmund from Birmingham City in July for an initial £25m.
Chelsea are believed to be willing to play the long game for Bellingham, whom the club feel could be more suited to their system than another holding midfielder such as Rice.
Written by
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
