According to Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea is highly interested in signing West Ham midfielder and England international Declan Rice this summer.

With the England international approaching the final year of his contract at West Ham United, the club may be obliged to sell him this summer in order to prevent losing him on a free transfer.

Premier League rival Arsenal is also in the race to sign Rice this summer.

Plettenberg tweeted: “Rice: Chelsea is definitely in the race and highly interested – confirmed! He’s one of the top candidates in order to strengthen the defensive midfield.

“Contract until 2024. Therefore good chances to sign him this summer.”