Former West Ham defender Glen Johnson believes Chelsea may have to extend Mason Mount's stay at the club in order to sign Declan Rice.
The west London outfit have long been interested in their former academy product, who left to join the Hammers as a teenager. Rice has gone on to make more than 300 appearances for the club and is now captain following Mark Noble's retirement at the end of last season.
The England international's development in east London has seen him be linked with a move to not only Graham Potter's side but Manchester United as well, though a departure in January seems unlikely.
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Rice and Mount have been pictured together numerous times as children and should Chelsea wish to acquire the 23-year-old, Johnson believes that having Mount in the building could swing things in their favour. However, Mount's contract ends in 2024 and the defender has stated that the Blues star is not at the level to 'demand' £300,000 per week.
"I don’t think he’s [Mount] got to the level to demand £300,000-a-week," Johnson said per the Metro. "Obviously he’s a good player and Chelsea won’t want to lose him but you can’t be held hostage to anyone. I can’t imagine he’s the sort of lad that would down tools if he doesn’t get £300,000-a-week.
"He doesn’t seem like that sort of fella. I don’t believe that’s true, so I think they’ll come to an arrangement eventually. Chelsea may have to keep Mount tactically if they do want to sign Declan Rice as well."
Rice's West Ham contract expires in 2025 with the club having an option for a further 12 months.
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