Chelsea reportedly remain interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice despite the departure of Thomas Tuchel as head coach.
Tuchel was sacked by the Blues last week, with Graham Potter appointed as his replacement, and the new manager started his reign with a 1-1 draw against Red Bull Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Chelsea were strongly linked with Rice during Tuchel's time at the helm, with the German said to be determined to bring the 23-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
However, according to journalist Dean Jones, the London giants are still looking to bring their former academy player back to the club "when the time arrives".
"Thomas Tuchel's departure won't really affect Chelsea's vision of signing Declan Rice. There are still people that remain within the club that are set on going for Declan Rice when the time arrives," Jones told GIVEMESPORT.
© Reuters
Rice was linked with a move away from West Ham over the summer, but the Hammers are said to currently value him in excess of £150m, which put a stop to any chance of him leaving.
"Everyone knows my relationship with the players, the manager. I've never once complained. Every time I put on the shirt it's 'go out there and give 100 per cent' and whatever happens off the pitch will take care of itself," the midfielder recently told Sky Sports News.
"I can't control that, what I can control is going out there and trying to be the best player every time I put on the shirt. It is annoying. The numbers that get attached to your name, obviously you can't control that at all.
"There's stuff sometimes that you see which you obviously don't want to hear because it's not really true, in a way. But I can't control that, all I can do is go on the pitch and play football and be happy.
"For the last couple of seasons that is what I've done and that is the faith the manager has put in me so all that speculation stuff, that's what comes with playing good, I suppose."
© Reuters
Rice was again in strong form for David Moyes's side during the 2021-22 campaign, making 48 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists in the process.
The Englishman has again been a vital player for the Hammers at the start of this season, featuring on eight occasions, contributing one assist in the process.
Rice's current deal at London Stadium is due to expire in June 2024, although West Ham have the option of extending the agreement for a further year.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid are also believed to be admirers of the former Chelsea youngster, who is set to represent his country at the 2022 World Cup.
Rice has scored 10 times and registered 11 assists in 203 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions since making his first-team debut in 2017.
Matt Law
