Here are the Chelsea morning headlines for Friday, August 14.
Hammers set Rice price
West Ham United have told Chelsea they will need to pay £80million if they wish to sign Declan Rice this summer, according to The Times via the Express.
The 21-year-old spent seven years of his youth career at Stamford Bridge and is now said to be a priority transfer target for boss Frank Lampard.
It is claimed by the report that the Hammers rejected a Blues proposal which included Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi going the other way as part of the deal.
West Ham will reportedly demand the upfront fee and are not willing to negotiate.
Liverpool move bad news for Blues
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara is reportedly the subject of a £30m bid from Liverpool, and it could have implications for Chelsea’s pursuit of Kai Havertz.
A report from Bild in Germany claims the Reds have lodged an offer - although the Liverpool Echo deny any contact - which could be of interest to the Blues.
Should Bayern decide to cash-in on the midfielder, that may reopen their interest in Bayer Leverkusen ace Havertz.
The Blues thought they had a ‘free run’ with their interest in the playmaker, but this development could change the situation.
Chelsea not ready for title challenge - Barnes
The signings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner may have excited Chelsea fans, but John Barnes does not feel the team are yet title contenders.
The former Liverpool and England star did say he was “sure” the Blues would secure a top-four finish once more, but might find it a step too far to break into the top two in the league.
Barnes told BonusCodeBets: "I definitely feel like Chelsea can challenge for the top four again next season, but I don’t necessarily think they can challenge Manchester City and Liverpool just yet.
"However, they will become more competitive and get closer to the top two teams in the Premier League with the signings they have made. Signing Ziyech, Werner and potentially more is clearly a strong indication that Chelsea are there to compete next season.
"I am sure they will be in the top four again, but I don’t think they will be ready to make a move for first or second place in the league just yet.”
