West Ham United insider @ExWHUemployee has recently revealed a factor which may play a part in keeping Declan Rice at the London Stadium despite interest from Chelsea.
During the summer, the English midfielder was heavily linked with a switch to Frank Lampard’s outfit (per The Sun).
It was even stated that the Blues believed they would sign Rice as the Hammers are ‘desperate for cash’, with Chelsea supposedly eyeing an offer ‘in excess of £40million’.
However, the move never happened during the transfer window and Rice remained a West Ham player, however, reports are still circling that the midfielder is a ‘top target’ for Chelsea (per Express).
In the latest episode of The West Ham Way Podcast, @ExWHUemployee discussed Chelsea’s interest in Rice and revealed a factor which may keep the midfielder at the club.
He said: “I’ve been offered money to sell Chelsea news because my sources are as reliable as my West Ham sources.
“Lampard’s job is not massively under threat but potentially under threat if [their form] continues and he is a massive reason that Chelsea want Declan Rice.
“So, in a way, we’ve got to hope that Lampard, I mean, I know West Ham fans probably would anyway, but I think hope for Lampard to get the sack.
“Obviously, I can’t promise that the manager that comes into Chelsea then wouldn’t want Rice but, at the moment, Lampard is the main reason that there [is] such heavy interest from Chelsea.”
TIF Thoughts on what @ExWHUemployee had to say about Frank Lampard and Declan Rice…
As can be seen in what the in-the-know podcaster had to say, he clearly believes that if Lampard was to be relieved of his duties by the Blues, that would lower the possibility of them signing Rice.
Do you think Declan Rice will sign for Chelsea during the January transfer window?
No, I don't think so
Yes, I think he will do
So far this season, Chelsea currently sit eighth in the Premier League table after having won two, drawn two and lost one of their opening five matches (per BBC).
With their current position being lower in the table than the Blues have finished in the Premier League since the 2015/16 campaign (per Transfermarkt), perhaps it may be clear to see why there is some pressure.
However, after just five league matches, it is still early days in the season, so, it seems far too soon for any speculation regarding Lampard’s position at Stamford Bridge.