Chelsea handed boost in race for England star who could reject Manchester United

A former Chelsea academy star and one of Barcelona’s star performers this season are being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in Tuesday morning’s press reports.
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London World takes a look at the latest transfer talk involving the Blues.

England star has “preference” for Chelsea return

West Ham United and England star Declan Rice is prepared to snub any advances from Manchester United to secure a return to Chelsea - according to The Daily Mail.

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Rice was part of the Blues academy before joining West Ham following his release in 2014 and has become a firm favourite with the Hammers after breaking into the first-team three years later.

Former Blues boss Frank Lampard was said to be keen on taking Rice back to Stamford Bridge during his time in charge and the interest in the 23-year-old has remained ever since.

The Mail report Chelsea will look to offload French international Ngolo Kante to make space for Rice’s arrival this summer.

Premier League rivals leapfrog Blues in chase for Barcelona defender

Chelsea are believed to have registered an interest in Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo - but could be beaten to his signature by Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Ronald Araujo is reportedly a target for Manchester United. Credit: Getty.Ronald Araujo is reportedly a target for Manchester United. Credit: Getty.
Ronald Araujo is reportedly a target for Manchester United. Credit: Getty.
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The Uruguayan international defender is into the final 18 months of his deal with the La Liga giants and is yet to sign an extension despite putting in a series of impressive displays so far this season.

Barcelona are said to be “desperate” to secure his services - but are struggling to meet his wages demands given the tight financial constraints at the club.

Manchester United are leading the chase to sign Araujo and have offered a deal worth £8.4million a season according to Team Talk.

Barca aim to pip Chelsea to long-term target

Meanwhile, Catalan daily outlet Sport have suggested Barcelona are set to compete with Chelsea for the signature of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

Jules Kounde runs with the ball during a World Cup qualifier for France. Picture: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty ImagesJules Kounde runs with the ball during a World Cup qualifier for France. Picture: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
Jules Kounde runs with the ball during a World Cup qualifier for France. Picture: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
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The French defender was believed to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge last summer but the Blues were unable to agree a fee with the La Liga club.

Both Chelsea and Barca are now set to battle for his signing this summer - although a lot could depend on how successful the Catalan giants are in their own pursuit of Blues defender Andreas Christensen.

Chelsea star targeted as free transfer replacement

Tuesday morning brought confirmation that one-time Chelsea target Niklas Sule will leave Bayern Munich this summer to join Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund.

Bayern are now targeting a number of centre-backs to replace the German International and Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger is at the top of their list.

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The 28-year-old is currently in the final months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and Fichajes reports that Bayer are keen to take him back to Germany when his deal expires this summer.

The same report states Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Matthias Ginter are also under consideration.