Date of publication: Tuesday 14 July 2020, 4:24
Chelsea are willing to unload Jorginho in order to raise funds for an offer for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, according to a report.
Rice emerged as one of Chelsea’s main goals in a busy spending summer. The Blues have already signed Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech and reportedly want more players before next season.
Also, Frank Lampard reportedly sees Rice as a potential leader who could strengthen their defensive third. However, the West Ham star won’t come cheap – at least £ 70 million.
Second Football insiderChelsea will not be able to afford it unless they make it before sales. And while previous reports had indicated would offer marginal players as heavyweights to West Ham, it is now claimed that one of their older players could make way.
That man is Jorginho, who has had a lot of fun at Stamford Bridge since joining 2018. The midfielder has become an important player under Lampard, but has only appeared twice since the Premier League returned.
Football insider claim that Chelsea are now willing to hear offers for Jorginho. Former blues boss Maurizio Sarri has been linked to take him to Juventus.
The Italian national team played with Sarri at Napoli and Chelsea and could reunite with the coach. Juventus have already added Arthur Melo to midfield in an exchange agreement with Barcelona with Miralem Pjanic.
But while Chelsea would lose a midfielder to Jorginho, it is believed that they would use Rice as a defender.
Lampard is looking for a leader in the center, like his former teammate John Terry. Even though Rice has become a midfielder, Chelsea boss reportedly believes he can help the 21-year-old complete his conversion to a defender.
So far, though, Lampard has rejected the interest publicly.
“Declan Rice is a good player, you’re right, and I’ve known Declan Rice for a long time, having been to the Chelsea Academy, but there’s no talk,” said Lampard in June.
“I keep saying, about every player we will be asked about. Until these games and this season are over, there is nothing to say. “
UTD MAN BACK FOR RICE
Earlier this week, the same source claimed that Manchester United regained its interest in Rice.
United were reportedly discouraged by West Ham ‘s asking price last summer, but are now considering a move again.
Former boss Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be an admirer and although West Ham will remain in the Premier League, they will face a battle to keep their protagonist.
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