Rice a huge asset- Frank Lampard

Chelsea legend and former blues head manager, Frank Lampard has revealed he wanted to sign Declan Rice when he was Chelsea manager and has spoken in glowing terms about the midfielder.

The 22-year-old has captained West Ham regularly over the last year and is now a pivotal part of England’s National team squad ahead of this summer’s Euros.

Chelsea were often linked with Rice throughout Lampard’s tenure and the former Blues boss has spoken about his admiration for the midfielder during a Q&A session for the Willow Foundation and said that the transfer didn’t come off for ‘various reasons.

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‘We are fortunate to have him in England, West Ham is fortunate to have him. He’s a leader and it is clear that he’s destined for great things,’ said Lampard.

‘I have probably given it away with how I spoke about him but I think it’s common knowledge that I was a big fan of him.

‘It didn’t happen for various reasons, but we brought in a lot of players in the summer. But I was a big fan of him. 

‘They gave him the chance there and the choice will be Declan’s as the years go ahead, but his performances are great to watch

Rice is currently out injured after picking up a knee problem during the most recent international break as West Ham sits fourth, one point above Chelsea in fifth.

Meanwhile, Rice West Ham would be facing Kelechi Iheanacho’s Leicester on Sunday in the fight for a  top-four finish.

Tobi Sangotola/Dailymail