Chelsea's priority target for the summer transfer window is West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, claims journalist Simon Phillips.

The Blues are thought to be keen on bringing the England international, who is currently representing the Three Lions at the World Cup in Qatar, to Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea transfer news - Declan Rice

According to The Telegraph, Rice and his England team-mate Jude Bellingham will be at the centre of bidding wars between some of the biggest clubs in world football, including Graham Potter's Chelsea.

In the past, West Ham manager David Moyes has claimed that the east London club value the 23-year-old at £150m.

However, the same Telegraph report claims that the Hammers now face the prospect of having to sell Rice for around £70m.

The West Ham captain, described as an "extraordinary talent" by football.london's Josh Holland, has been a key player for his side this season, starting all 15 of their Premier League games so far (via Transfermarkt).

What has Simon Phillips said about Declan Rice and Chelsea?

Phillips has told GIVEMESPORT that Rice is at the top of Chelsea's shopping list.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "We've been told for months now that Rice is going to be a priority target for Chelsea come the summer. There's no chance, I don't think, of him moving in January."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Could Declan Rice sign a new contract at West Ham after the World Cup?

With Rice currently at the World Cup with England, there is not much West Ham can do at this moment in time to fend off interest in him.

Once the tournament is finished, however, they may try to get him to sign a new contract. The Three Lions star has less than two years remaining on his existing deal, which is worth £62,000 a week, according to Salary Sport.

West Ham do have the option to extend it by another 12 months but, amid Chelsea's interest, they will be concerned.

If Rice has a good World Cup, you would also not be surprised if interest in him increased, so the Hammers must be feeling anxious. All in all, it seems pretty unlikely that he will put pen to paper on an extension at the London Stadium and an exit now looks inevitable.

As for Chelsea, they really need a defensive midfielder like Rice. The west London club already have N'Golo Kante, who is exceptional at his job.

Over the last year, the Frenchman has ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles and the 89th for interceptions among his positional peers (via FBref). However, he is struggling to stay fit, meaning now is probably the time for the Blues to bring in a successor.

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