CHELSEA could make a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice after being alerted to his availability.

West Ham are preparing for a major overhaul of their current squad and could sell Rice in order to raise funds, according to reports.

The news comes after recent comments made by the 21-year-old suggested he would be open to a move back to Chelsea and a reunion with good pal and former academy team-mate Mason Mount.

Rice said: "I’d love to play with him at club level again.

"One thing we’ve always said as kids we’d love to play with each other at club and international level but obviously you never know because of different paths and things like that."

Club insiders at West Ham say no one is safe from a potential cull.

And although boss David Moyes would rather not lose £70million-rated Rice, he maybe forced to if he wants money to reinvest in his squad after the Hammers' vast outlay last summer.

It is unclear whether Chelsea would be willing or able to meet West Ham's asking price for Rice, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United.

One player he might replace at Stamford Bridge is Jorginho, with Maurizio Sarri keen to reunite with the Italy international at Juventus.

Rice played in the Blues' academy alongside Mount between 2006 and 2014, at which point the former was released and joined West Ham's academy.

Since making his debut in 2017, Rice has racked up over 100 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions.

He was shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year last season as well as earning his first England caps.

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