Chelsea could face a problem in their pursuit of West Ham star Declan Rice, as the Hammers owners will likely ask other Premier League teams to bid for the midfielder so they don't have to sell him to rivals. That's the view of Duncan Castles, who believes West Ham could be forced into selling the youngster if they are relegated to the Championship.
Related articles Chelsea suffer shock West Ham defeat as Moyes hands Man Utd boost Chelsea boss Frank Lampard sends defiant top four message to Man Utd Rice is believed to be the next target on Chelsea's transfer shortlist.
Having already forked out a combined £90million for attacking duo Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, they are now set to turn their attentions to the defence.
The Blues were disappointing on Wednesday night against Rice's current team as West Ham earned a last-gasp 3-2 win at the London Stadium.
Their defence was blamed for the collapse, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in particular putting in poor displays.
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Chelsea transfer news: Frank Lampard faces Declan Rice problem after West Ham call (Image: GETTY) And Lampard is believed to want Rice to lead his new-look defence.
Rice predominantly plays in the middle of midfield for Moyes' side, but his best position is believed to be at the back.
However, Chelsea have been warned that due to the rivalry between the two teams, West Ham could try to offload him elsewhere.
Castles explained on the Transfer Window Podcast that West Ham chiefs might try and entice teams from outside of London to bid for the midfielder in an attempt to save face and avoid selling him to their arch-rivals.
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Related articles Mikel Arteta puts Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pressure on Arsenal board Chelsea player ratings vs West Ham: Willian unable to rescue Blues READ MORE Man City boss Pep Guardiola makes bold transfer admission He also suggested that if West Ham - currently 16th in the Premier League - are relegated, they might have to sell in order to balance the books financially.
"I think they're conscious of their supporters," Castles said of West Ham's owners, the David Sullivan and David Gold.
"I'm sure if they could encourage another Premier League club outside of London to bid for the player, they'd prefer to sell him there.
"It wouldn't go down well should they lose Rice this summer."
Chelsea transfer news: Frank Lampard faces Declan Rice problem after West Ham call (Image: GETTY) Related articles Cole predicts what will happen to Abraham after Werner joins Chelsea Chelsea fans send Declan Rice transfer message after West Ham clash READ MORE Mohamed Salah rules out transfer and wants to stay at Liverpool "But, going down into a Championship that is going to be harder hit by Covid than the Premier League, certain pragmatic decisions will have to be made.
"They've spent a lot on that squad in recent years and pushed the wage bill up.
"So, the money will have to come in from somewhere.
"I think it's intelligent on Frank Lampard's part to target a player in danger of being relegated, and who is friends with people on the current Chelsea squad, and can have those voices in his ear."
