Former Chelsea and West Ham right-back Glen Johnson has backed West Ham captain and England international Declan Rice to join Chelsea.

The midfielder’s future as a Hammer is a constant subject of speculation, with Chelsea one of many clubs interested in landing his signature as early as January.

“I don’t want him to but he needs to move if he wants to kick on in his career,” Johnson told GGRecon.

“I think he will end up at Chelsea because he has a soft spot for the club and he knows a number of the lads there. However, you can never know where he will go because he will have a lot of options.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea have identified 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.