Chelsea have reportedly decided to wait until next summer to pursue a transfer for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move away from East London, with Manchester United also among the clubs interested in his signature.
However, the Blues are confident that Rice will remain a Hammers player this season and they are preparing to chase the signing of the midfielder next summer.
According to football.london, West Ham's valuation of £100m for the England international was considered too much by the current European champions, but they will try to reduce that with negotiations next year.
Rice was released by Chelsea's academy when he was 14 years old, but he joined West Ham's academy shortly afterwards and has gone on to make 148 appearances for the senior side.
The midfielder signed a new long-term contract at the London Stadium in 2018, which tied him to the club until the summer of 2024.
Sammy Wynne
