Thomas Tuchel told Chelsea meet criteria to complete Declan Rice transfer amid Todd Boehly plan

Thomas Tuchel has been handed a major boost towards Chelsea's mission to sign Declan Rice in the upcoming transfer window. Todd Boehly, who has agreed a £4.25billion deal to buy the west London club, is expected to 'push for A-list signings' to mark a new era at Stamford Bridge, according to the MailOnline.

Rice is one of several star-studded names to have been reportedly added to the Blues' summer shopping list, though securing the 23-year-old's signature proves to be an uphill battle with West Ham. Last week, the England international was offered an eight-year contract by the Hammers in a bid to ward off interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City, according to talkSPORT.

While The Athletic claim that Tuchel is a big fan of Rice, understand that it could take more than £100m - the fee which was quoted last summer - to even tempt the east London outfit into selling their most prized asset. Though, Chelsea have been told that they meet the criteria to secure West Ham's vice-captain, handing the Blues a major boost.

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Glen Johnson has claimed that the west Londoners securing Champions League qualification, with experience too in the latter stages of the competition, will give Chelsea a big boost. Speaking on behalf of 888sport, the former Blues defender said: "Obviously I would personally love Declan Rice to stay but I think it’s highly unlikely.

"He’s a young man who wants to be winning the league and wants Champions League finals. No disrespect to West Ham but we all know that’s not going to be happening there. If three or so big clubs are after him that’s going to be impossible to ignore