Declan Rice has been a long-time target for Chelsea, and reports have it that new owner Todd Boehly has retained the club’s interest in the 23-year-old midfielder.

Chelsea’s interest in the midfielder started under Frank Lampard, during the Everton boss’ time at Stamford Bridge. However, the interest from Chelsea cooled when Thomas Tuchel took charge of the club.

Chelsea now seemed to have renewed interest in Declan Rice, who was a Chelsea starlet until age 14.

According to the Mirror, the Blues have stepped up their interest in Rice in recent days, with Thomas Tuchel said to have strong interest in the Hammers midfielder.

With Todd Boehly keen on backing Thomas Tuchel in the transfer market, Tuchel is said to have earmarked Rice as a long-term replacement for N’Golo Kante, who has been injury prone over the last two seasons.

Reports claim West Ham have as well dismissed Chelsea’s renewed attempt to sign Declan Rice, with the Hammers adamant that the England international will not be sold this summer.

Rice enjoyed his finest campaign to date last term, and was West Ham’s Player of the Year during an impressive season under David Moyes.

Rice is valued at around £100m, and is highly rated in the Premier League, with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool also rumoured to be interested in his signing.

During the course of the season, David Moyes went further to claim that Rice is worth more than the rumoured £100m.

Asked whether Rice is worth more than £100m, Moyes, after a long pause, replied: “Yeah.

“I think I’ve said everything there is to say about Declan. He’s a really important player for West Ham, he’s someone who we value greatly and you can see what he means to the team.

“He’s a really good individual and we’re enjoying having him.”