John Terry has taken to social media to wax lyrical about West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice. The 23-year-old starred in the Hammers' first win of the season – where he assisted Pablo Fornals' winning goal against Aston Villa.
Rice, who was released by Chelsea when he was a teenager trying to break through the academy, has less than two years remaining on his contract in east London. The Blues and Thomas Tuchel are huge fans of Rice and have a long-standing interest in his services.
A move this summer was always going to be difficult and is viewed as unlikely. However, next summer – when he will have a year remaining on his contract with West Ham – he could be available for a much cheaper price.
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It's understood Rice does not want to sign a new contract with the Hammers right now. David Moyes, though, is determined to keep hold of his star midfielder.
"If I had heard something [on Rice's future], I would not tell you," Moyes said to reporters earlier in the summer. "But the best thing to say is that 'no we've not', and let me tell you, he is not for sale. So, that may shut down any questions about Declan, but we do expect questions on him because he is doing so well.
"Is he irreplaceable? Well, I had to sell Wayne Rooney early when I was at Everton. I thought Wayne was irreplaceable but what happens in football is you move on. That is what happens at football.
"Sometimes things like this do happen but we've got no intention of letting that happen at this present time here at West Ham."
One man who would love Rice at Chelsea is former captain Terry, who posted on Twitter to express his admiration of the England international. He tweeted: "@_DeclanRice covers every inch of the pitch. What a player (clapping emoji)."
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