John Terry has already delivered his verdict on Chelsea's transfer interest in Declan Rice

Former Chelsea captain John Terry has already given the club the green light to make a move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. 

Interest from Chelsea in the 23-year-old has been long-term, stemming back to the Frank Lampard days at Stamford Bridge, before Thomas Tuchel expressed his interest and admiration in the England international. 

“Very highly," said Tuchel, now former Chelsea head coach, back in April.

"He seems to be a very nice guy from what everybody tells me and is from the Chelsea academy and he proves this (his quality). That’s the most important thing. It feels like he plays every single game."

West Ham has never changed their stance, they have always wanted to keep hold of their most prized-asset who has now become their new club captain this season following the exit of Mark Noble. 

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Back in November 2021, during Tuchel’s reign, Terry reacted to Rice’s full-time post on Twitter with Tomas Soucek following their 3-2 home win over Liverpool at the London Stadium. 

He wrote: “Declan Rice is the best in his position in world football. What a player.”

Rice is out of contract in 2024 at West Ham but does have a clause in his deal with the option of a further 12 months, effectively extending his stay until 2025. 

David Moyes, who is under pressure following a slow start to the 2022/23 campaign, insisted back in April the club had no offers for the midfielder, saying: "If I had heard something, I wouldn't tell you.

"But the best thing to say is that 'no we've not', and let me tell you, he's not for sale. So, that may shut down any questions about Declan, but we do expect questions on him because he's doing so well.

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"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 in 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."

Now it has been reported by Matt Law of The Telegraph that Rice is still on Chelsea’s radar and the new owners, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, were warned off of a move for Rice in the summer, which could see them test the Hammers’ resolve next summer. 

It appears that Graham Potter is the next in line to like the England star but whether Chelsea would be able to get a deal over the line will mean they will have to offer big-money to their London counterparts to convince them of parting company with Rice.