John Terry has praised the potential of Declan Rice after a meeting between the two of them.
Chelsea are very keen to sign Rice and have identified him as a major summer target as Frank Lampard looks to bolster his midfield.
The 21-year-old has now been pictured at Blues legend John Terry's house, with the two of them enjoying a catch-up.
Posting the picture on Instagram, Terry said Rice will only get better as he gets older.
He said: "What a centre-back partnership this would have been, @DeclanRice.
"I'm playing left centre-back though...
"Good to catch up mate. Unbelievable player who will continue to get better and better."
Rice grew up in Chelsea's academy before being released at the age of 14 so could well know Terry from his time at Stamford Bridge.
It did not take long for Terry's Instagram followers to speculate that the duo were discussing a potential move to the Blues.
"Lovely bit of poaching on there on behalf of Chelsea, JT," one follower joked.
The Blues were reported to have lodged a £50million bid for Rice earlier this week but football.london understands that this was wide of the mark.
West Ham are determined to keep hold of the versatile England international this summer despite Lampard identifying him as the solution to Chelsea's defensive issues.
With Rice having played the majority of his senior football as a defensive midfielder, Terry's decision to label the player a defender in his Instagram post also stands out as interesting - and perhaps hints at where the now Aston Villa assistant sees Rice's future.
However, it will take a lot of money to make the Hammers part with Rice, with reports stating that a bid worth £50million would have been nowhere near their valuation of the player had it been submitted.
