Premier League Rumors: Chelsea Won't Get Declan Rice Easily From West Ham

Chelsea FC will be targeting several players, but it appears another target has just been snuffed. Declan Rice, someone who left the Blues when he was 14 years old to join West Ham, still has four years left in his contract. But the latest rumbling is that The Hammers do not have any intention of selling one of their prized assets.

The decision to keep Rice has puzzled some, especially with word that West Ham is interested in Ross Barkley. But some feel that this was brought about by the interests of the Blues on Rice, the team where the 26-year-old is currently playing for. Barkley remains committed to Chelsea -- likely a reason why West Ham is exhausting all efforts to keep the defensive midfielder on their end, Goal.com reported.

A move back to Chelsea would have made sense for Rice considering he holds close ties with several players. That includes Mason Mount, whom Rice has been best friends with since they were 8 years old. But with the COVID-19 pandemic paralyzing the football world, the Blues could end up whittling down their recruitment plans. Budgets are expected to be slashed, and prime targets may be held off at least for the coming season.

Instead, Chelsea is likely to focus on contract renewals. There are players like Oliver Giroud and Tino Anjorin due for new deals and these are expected to be made official in the coming days. Tammy Abraham is another player being monitored closely, someone who has left a good impression with his performance this season.

Frank Lampard planned to shore up his midfielder need, making Rice a logical choice. However, he does have other targets in mind. That includes Boubakary Soumare who Lampard could snag by the next transfer window.

The Blues could also use a striker if one is available. Rumor has it that they have Philippe Coutinho in mind. However, there is still no official word on whether Lampard will make a play for the 27-year-old Brazilian.

In a previous post, it was reported that Coutinho underwent surgery to remove loose fragments in his right ankle joints. He will be out for 14 days and is not expected to miss action should the season resume. Coutinho has accounted for nine goals and eight assists in 32 appearances this season. The asking price of Barca for Coutinho is £70 million to £80 million ($87 million to $99 million).