When it comes to transfer stories, there are only a handful of people that can generally be trusted to be considered rather reliable.
Fabrizio Romano is one of those men that has built a reputation over many years as the best in the business when it comes down to journalists and breaking transfer news.
However, West Ham United fans might be hoping that the Italian transfer guru is wrong with his latest rumour and will be hoping he has made an incorrect tip regarding one of their star men.
According to Romano, who was quoted by Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips on Twitter, Declan Rice is continuing to push for a move to the Blues.
The journalist mentioned that it is up to Chelsea, though, to agree a fee with the Hammers for their England star, and admitted that it would be very difficult to do in January.
Romano said: “Declan Rice is still pushing to join Chelsea. But it is up to Chelsea to negotiate a fee with West Ham, which will be difficult in January.”
Indeed, Rice has been nothing but a stalwart for West Ham since entering the fold and this season has seen him continue to produce some truly impressive performances from the middle of the park for both club and country.
David Moyes is unlikely going to be willing to let the England international leave the London Stadium anytime soon, as he has proven crucial in their efforts and is a major reason as to why the Hammers are near the top of the Premier League table.
Valued at £49.5 million by TransferMarkt, there is no doubt that West Ham will see him as a priceless asset and one that they will look to keep at all costs as the 21-year-old could be deemed irreplaceable.
In any regard, Chelsea would likely have to double that fee to even make the Irons consider allowing him to join a London rival.
The Blues will get to see Rice in action up close and personal on Monday night as the two sides will meet at Stamford Bridge.
The Hammers will go into the fixture with a degree of confidence and not just because of their current form. Although it has been rather good, David Moyes’ men managed to complete the double over Chelsea last season, as they recorded a 0-1 victory in November 2019 at the Bridge before recording a memorable 3-2 win at the London Stadium in July that helped ensure they would remain in the Premier League for another season.
