Even before the Kai Havertz to Chelsea rumours flooded the transfer news section of every media outlet on the face of the Earth, Declan Rice was the top target for the Blues and was linked with a return to his former club throughout the time.

However, we are now at the end of the January transfer window of the 20/21 season, and the transfer saga is set to end with the player still representing West Ham United.

Speaking on the heavily rumoured transfer on the Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano and Francesco Porzio said that Rice was primarily Frank Lampard’s target. The former Chelsea boss, during his time in charge, was known to be a huge admirer of the England international. Moreover, Rice was also well documented as being appreciative towards Lampard.

The Italian duo said that Rice had been approached by many top clubs in the Premier League, but rejected all bids coming in for him saying that it was his dream to join Chelsea again and that he would only leave the London Stadium for a switch to Stamford Bridge.

It was also mentioned that the Chelsea board was not very keen on signing Declan Rice, and wasn’t convinced that the player was worth the hefty fee being quoted.

With Thomas Tuchel now in charge of the dugout, it is becoming less and less likely that a move for Rice will eventually materialise since the player was more of a Frank Lampard target than a Chelsea target. However, one can never truly write things off in the modern transfer window.