Saturday's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup: Declan Rice, Fikayo Tomori, Danny Drinkwater

The January transfer window is now open, with Chelsea continuing to be linked with a host of big names.

The Blues were the biggest spenders in the summer, splashing more than £200m, but they have been tipped to do yet more business in January as they look to bridge the gap to the leading pack in the Premier League.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings from Stamford Bridge.

Saturday morning's Chelsea transfer talk news roundup:

Manchester United 'preparing to battle Chelsea for Declan Rice'

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Manchester United are reportedly ready to go head to head with Chelsea for the signature of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The 22-year-old has been in impressive form for the Hammers during the 2020-21 campaign, making 19 appearances in all competitions and not missing a single minute of Premier League action.

Rice has a contract at the London Stadium until June 2024, with the option of a further year, but there is thought to be significant interest in the England international from Chelsea.

Blues boss Frank Lampard is allegedly keen to bring the midfielder to Stamford Bridge, but according to ESPN, United are firmly in the hunt for a player who could cost in the region of £70m.

A recent report claimed that Rice was not interested in moving to Old Trafford as he wanted to remain in London, seemingly making Chelsea the favourites for his signature.

The Englishman has made 128 appearances for West Ham in all competitions.

AC Milan 'propose £27m option to buy in Fikayo Tomori loan'

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AC Milan are reportedly keen to sign Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori on loan and want to include a £27m option to make the move permanent.

The 23-year-old has struggled for action during the 2020-21 campaign, making just four appearances at club level, with just one of those outings coming in the Premier League.

Blues boss Frank Lampard recently suggested that Tomori could leave on loan this month but insisted that the Englishman had a long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

According to the Daily Mail, Milan are in talks over a loan switch for the defender, who is keen to move to Italy to further his development.

However, the report claims that the Serie A giants are attempting to agree a future purchase option, with a £27m fee already being discussed between the two clubs.

Tomori has found it difficult to even make the bench in the Premier League this season, while he was only a late substitute against Morecambe in the FA Cup last weekend.

More transfer news from Chelsea:

Danny Drinkwater 'closing in on Kasimpasa move'
The former Leicester title-winner has struggled for first-team opportunities at Chelsea. Read more.