Paper Talk: £30m Chelsea star features in £70m Rice swoop

Roman Abramovich TEAMtalk

Chelsea are ready to make a £70million move for West Ham’s Declan Rice, while Jose Mourinho considers a move for a January target – all in the latest Paper Talk.

 

ABRAMOVICH SANCTIONS CHELSEA, RICE SWOOP

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has sanctioned a move worth £70million for Declan Rice including midfielder Ross Barkley, according to a report.

The Blues have already spent over £200million this transfer window on six major signings. Kai Havertz, who cost an initial £72million, was the most expensive of the bunch.

Indeed, it will be seven through the door when Chelsea confirm a deal for Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

However, according to Football Insider, Frank Lampard has not finished there. West Ham star Rice is another firm target and Lampard has now earned approval from Abramovich to make a move for the England international.

The source claims the “mammoth” offer will see Chelsea offer Barkley to the Hammers. The Blues reportedly value the 26-year-old at £30million and are willing to see him leave.

What’s more, Chelsea will also offer a £40million cash sum, taking the total cost of the deal to £70million.

West Ham boss David Moyes reiterated on Friday that he hoped it would take the ‘Bank of England’ to lose Rice.

Moyes has previously admitted that the 21-year-old is likely his best player in defence, as well as midfield.

 

 

AND THE REST FROM PAPER TALK

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho remains keen on Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose (El Desmarque)

Spurs are also pondering a deal for Braga striker Paulinho (90min)

Manchester United are preparing to move for Gareth Bale if their pursuit of Jadon Sancho fails (Daily Star Sunday)

Leeds want a permanent deal for Chelsea youngster Conor Gallagher (Mail on Sunday)

Aston Villa are in talks about a deal to sign Lyon winger Bertrand Traore (Mail on Sunday)

David Brooks, Richarlison

Bournemouth have quoted Leicester a £50million price tag for winger David Brooks (Sun on Sunday)

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has made Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah his top target (Sunday Express)

Philippe Coutinho has returned to Barcelona with high hopes of a role in Koeman’s side (Sunday Mirror)

Manchester City hope Sergio Aguero will be fit for the start of their Premier League season next weekend (Sunday Express)

City have opened talks about a move for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano (Sunday Express)

Jack Wilshere is ready to battle for his future amid reports West Ham could terminate his contract (Sunday Mirror)

Burnley will make an £8million move for Mainz attacking midfielder Robin Quaison (Mail on Sunday)

Crystal Palace’s path to a deal for Brentford’s Said Benrahma has opened up (Mail on Sunday)