Chelsea: Granovskaia 'badly wanted' £150m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea may have cooled their interest in West Ham United star Declan Rice as Marina Granovskaia and Frank Lampard, who were pushing to seal his arrival, have departed Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Graham Potter, who was appointed as the Blues’ new head coach earlier this month, will be given the opportunity to strengthen the squad he inherited when the transfer window reopens in January.

Rice is currently preparing for England’s Nations League clashes against Italy and Germany after being called up by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

However, the central midfielder has endured a tricky start to the season as current employers West Ham have gone into the international break sitting in the Premier League’s relegation zone.

That is despite Rice making nine appearances and taking over as the Hammers’ captain following the retirement of Mark Noble.

Having been released by Chelsea at the age of 14, Rice has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.

But, in a bid to deter the west Londoners and Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window, West Ham slapped a £150million price tag on their prised asset.

Brown has hinted the summer departure of director Granovskaia, along with former head coach Lampard’s sacking in January 2021, may have lessened Chelsea’s interest in Rice.

The journalist is unsure as to whether the Blues have moved onto other targets ahead of the January transfer window.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “Declan Rice is an interesting one because Marina Granovskaia was one of the people who wanted him quite badly when she was still around. Also, Frank Lampard was a huge fan of his.

“Neither of those two are at Chelsea any longer, so it remains to be seen how interested Chelsea are