Declan Rice has been mooted as a long-term target for Chelsea and Frank Lampard, and eagle-eyed Blues fans spotted a moment between the two at full time on Monday.
The 21-year-old England international is reportedly coveted by many top clubs around the country, but Chelsea have topped the odds for his next club for some time.
Rice was previously on the books at Stamford Bridge before being released as a youngster, but Lampard insisted the Blues hold no regrets over the decision.
"He's a fantastic player for West Ham and England so fair play, because his journey thereafter leaving Chelsea and going to West Ham is a good story to hear," Lampard said ahead of the game.
"There are lots of stories like that and it shows the player's strength of character. From our end, I don't think I would regret it. Our academy is one of the best in the world.
"You look at our first team now and all the players we have produced who are in and around the squad, we have so many.
"It is not easy, it is not an exact science to pick and choose players but the academy works brilliantly here and brings through a lot of players.
"Declan Rice should give himself personal credit for having the great start to his career that he has had at West Ham."
After Lampard's side eked to a 3-0 win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge, midfielder Rice was pictured approaching the Chelsea boss at full time.
And his embrace with Lampard – which appeared to be less enthusiastically reciprocated by the Blues manager – only fuelled speculation further that the holding midfielder is keen to swap East London for West, the same path followed by Lampard in 2001.
London-born Rice has starred for the Hammers since breaking into the first team in 2017 and he has established himself as a regular starter in Gareth Southgate's England squad ahead of next year's European Championships.
Chelsea and West Ham fans delivered a mixed reaction on social media...
@Simonsa77918492: Seriously odd bunch this Chelsea lot. @_DeclanRice you've only got to read these comments to realise where you're wanted.
@JamieRoche7: The man just wants to get a good relationship with Lampard ahead of his move.
@Skipp: We need a winger not a Defensive Midfielder.
@JoeWhufc: Ah so handshaking the opposition manager after a game is being desperate?
@TalkinWestHam Shaking a managers hand after the game? What's wrong with that You lot don't deserve him.
Rice has long been touted to replace N'Golo Kante in the heart of the Chelsea midfield, with the Frenchman linked with a move away in the past window.
Jorginho's performance on Monday, when West Ham threatened plenty but failed to score before Tammy Abraham's quickfire double late on, drew criticism from supporters too, and Lampard will certainly be mulling his long-term midfield options.
