West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has fuelled speculation that he could join Chelsea this summer by admitting that he would "love to" play alongside childhood friend Mason Mount at club level.
Reports emerged last month suggesting that Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has earmarked Rice as a possible target when the transfer window reopens, and more recent rumours around the future of N'Golo Kante have once again led to claims that Rice could be seen as a replacement for the Frenchman.
The 21-year-old was previously on the books at Chelsea, where he played alongside Mount before being released at the age of 14, and he has now stated his desire to reunite with his fellow midfielder at club level, having already played together for England.
"Yeah I'd love to, I'd love to play with him at club level again," Rice told Copa90.
"One thing we've always said as kid we'd love to play with each other at club and international level. But obviously you never know because of different paths and things like that."
After being released by Chelsea Rice joined the West Ham academy, progressing through the ranks and going on to make exactly 100 senior appearances for the club to date.
Barney Corkhill
