Chelsea will reportedly have to fend off Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City to secure the signature of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

The England international was linked with a return to his former club in the summer transfer window but stayed put after the Blues were reportedly unwilling to stump up West Ham's £80m asking price.

Speculation surrounding Rice's future has intensified with the January transfer window now open, though, and Chelsea are expected to reignite their interest in the 21-year-old.

However, according to Todofichajes, Liverpool, Man City and Man United are all in the running to sign Rice too, and all four clubs have already made contact with West Ham over his availability.

The report adds that West Ham are desperate to hold on to the ever-present midfielder and are hoping to tie him down to a new deal until 2026 in order to fend off interest from the quartet.

Chelsea are supposedly willing to ship out up to seven players to fund a move for Rice, who has played every minute of Premier League football for the Hammers this term.