Chelsea may now ‘test the water’ for £150m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea may look to ‘test the water again’ as they aim to tempt West Ham United into sanctioning Declan Rice’s move to Stamford Bridge, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Blues have already spent big on Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly since the summer window opened for business, but they have failed to lure Rice to west London so far.

Rice has revealed that he has been finding constant links with a close season move away from West Ham ‘annoying’.

It comes after Chelsea and numerous top sides have been interested in adding the central midfielder to their ranks.

Rice, it has previously been reported, would prefer to link up with the Blues if he is to seal his departure from the London Stadium.

But West Ham have attempted to deter suitors by placing a £150million price tag on the 23-year-old and they will be desperate to hold onto their prised asset after his appointment as club captain.

Meeting the Hammers’ demands would result in Rice becoming the most expensive signing in British football, surpassing the £100million Manchester City forked out for Jack Grealish.

Jones understands Chelsea remain interested in swooping for 32-cap England international Rice as they are still admirers.

The transfer insider believes there is a possibility that the west Londoners will look to persuade West Ham into selling their skipper before the September 1 deadline.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I’ve talked umpteen times about the fact they still like Declan Rice.

“They might just want to test the water again on that and see whether anything can be done.”

The fact Rice has admitted he is becoming frustrated with transfer speculation seems to suggest it will be difficult for Chelsea to strike a deal before the window slams shut.