MX23RW : Wednesday, December 25 17:06:22| >> :120:33007:33007:

Chelsea want to use West Ham United's Declan Rice as centre-back?

Chelsea want to use Rice as centre-back?
© Reuters
Chelsea reportedly intend to use Declan Rice as a centre-back if they are able to sign the England international from West Ham United.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard reportedly regards West Ham United's Declan Rice as a future centre-back.

Despite the England international still having four years remaining on his contract, he continues to be linked with a transfer to a bigger club during the next window.

Still possessing the funds raised from the sale of Eden Hazard, Chelsea appear best placed to launch an approach for the 21-year-old later in 2020.

However, according to The Times, Rice would be asked to make the transition into a full-time centre-back if he moves to Stamford Bridge.

While the Hammers academy graduate has taken on that role in the past, a number of managers have tended to use him in defensive midfield.

Already well stocked for options in the centre of the pitch, Chelsea are keen to strengthen their backline before the start of the next campaign.

ID:405432: cacheID:405432:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1933:
Written by
Darren Plant
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz pictured in February 2020
Read Next:
Report: Chelsea step up £70m Havertz chase
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool16123137162139
2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
7Manchester CityMan City178362925427
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle177552721626
9Fulham176742422225
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1772839251423
12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
15Everton163761421-716
16Crystal Palace173771826-816
17Leicester CityLeicester173592137-1614
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1733112740-1312
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1713131136-256


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!