West Ham United are reportedly hoping to put Declan Rice beyond Chelsea's reach.
Chelsea were the Premier League's biggest spenders in the summer transfer window, racking up a total of more than £200million with the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and others all making the move to Stamford Bridge.
But one deal the Blues couldn't get done was Declan Rice. Frank Lampard was said to be very keen on improving his midfield with Rice earmarked as the number one option.
But West Ham staved off a move, keeping hold of their talented young England international, until January, at least.
There is already talk Chelsea could return for Rice in the winter window, but the Hammers are said to have a plan to make sure they keep hold of Rice again.
The 21-year-old is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024 with a one-year extension option having signed a new deal in December 2018, West Ham currently understood to be paying him £60,000 per week.
But according to the Daily Star, in a bid to make sure they keep hold of Rice, West Ham will offer Rice the chance to double his money by staying put.
The report claims the Hammers will improve Rice's terms to pay him £120,000 per week, a deal that would all-but put an end to Chelsea's chances of landing him until at least beyond the January transfer window.
Rice has impressed again with West Ham making a very decent start to the season, picking up eight points from six games despite already playing Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Leicester City.
The midfielder is a stalwart under David Moyes, playing a full 90 minutes in every one of West Ham's Premier League games so far this season, so it's no surprise the Hammers are desperate to keep hold of him.
