Chelsea have identified England international and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as the ideal replacement for N’Golo Kante, according to Football London.

Kante’s Chelsea contract expires at the end of the season and the Blues are already planning for life without the Frenchman.

Rice is reportedly Chelsea’s no.1 midfield target and a move is expected to be made next summer for the England midfielder.

Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez also remains on the club’s radar and could be looked at in the January transfer window, the report adds.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf has revealed the huge mistake that Chelsea made in the transfer market.

According to Leboeuf, Chelsea made a huge mistake years ago when the club allowed England international Declan Rice to leave.

“I have a real soft spot for Mason Mount because of my relationship with Chelsea,” Lebouef told Ladbrokes at the launch of their World Cup Free-To-Play Halftime Quiz.

“He’s such a clever player, although I don’t think he was as efficient as he can be earlier on in the tournament. But you know he’s got the tools to succeed, so I’ve no doubt he’s still got something to offer.

“But I can’t not mention Declan Rice. Declan Rice really is the future of England. Chelsea made a huge, huge mistake in letting him go all those years ago.”