According to Daily Express, Chelsea may be able to use West Ham’s interest in Ruben Loftus-Cheek to help push through a deal to sign Frank Lampard’s top target Declan Rice.

West Ham are reportedly unwilling to lose Rice this summer but their interest in Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek could work in Chelsea’s favour.

West Ham are one of a host of clubs keen on signing Loftus-Cheek on loan and the Blues could offer the midfielder to West Ham as part of a deal to sign Rice.

Loftus-Cheek has been left out of the match-day squads for the Blues’ last two fixtures, despite starting the opening-day win over Brighton.

It is difficult to see the 24-year-old nailing down a starting spot this season, with the likes of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho ahead of him in the pecking order.

A loan move could benefit Loftus-Cheek, having not played much football since he recovered from a longterm injury last season.