Chelsea will ‘definitely’ revive their interest in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, although it’s unlikely to happen in January, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Blues have been linked with a move for Rice for several months now after releasing him from their youth academy when he was just 14 years old.

What is the latest news involving Rice?

West Ham manager David Moyes has previously stated that Rice is worth £100 million before upping that figure to £150m in an attempt to put off his potential suitors.

The England international rejected an incredible eight-year contract offer worth £200,000-per-week back in May which would have made him the highest paid player in the club’s history.

And Sky Sports also reported that both Chelsea and Manchester United were eager to prise Rice away from the London Stadium in the previous transfer window.

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However, the defensive-minded dynamo, who has openly expressed his desire to compete for silverware and play in the Champions League, ended up staying put after a formal offer failed to materialise.

It’s believed that West Ham will be prepared to offload Rice next summer for the right price, though, as his existing deal is set to expire in 2024, yet the east London outfit do have the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months.

What has Phillips said about Rice?

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Phillips said: “Obviously, they looked to try and do it in the summer, it was one of the first jobs they had when they came in.

“They went to West Ham, Tuchel was asking for Declan Rice, they went to West Ham, but they were saying that, ‘we're not going to sell him unless it's silly money, and we also want a replacement.’

“So, Chelsea just backed off in the end, but I fully expect Chelsea to be going back in for Rice again. I wouldn't say in January, but definitely next summer.”

Is Rice worth the money?

Chelsea may be forced to break their transfer record if they want to secure Rice’s services, but he could prove to be a wise investment from Graham Potter.

The 6 foot 1 ace has racked up 22 goal contributions in just over 200 appearances for West Ham from his position at the base of the engine room while putting up some impressive underlying numbers.

As per FBref, Rice has ranked in the 97th percentile for interceptions, 92nd for pass completion, and 85th for progressive carries amongst his positional peers over the last year, leading to him being labelled "phenomenal".

With both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante in the final year of their contracts at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea may view Rice as the ideal successor to their ageing stars.