Transfer Talk: Bellingham and Rice in demand after England win
Chelsea want to bring both Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice to Stamford Bridge next summer after seeing the midfield duo dismantle Iran yesterday.
It was a masterful performance from England's central pairing, with 19-year-old Bellingham nodding home the opener in an emphatic 6-2 victory for the Three Lions.
The former Birmingham youngster is already a crucial figure in Edin Terzic’s Borussia Dortmund at club level, but The Express suggest the Bundesliga outfit are open to a sale.
One of Europe’s brightest prospects, a fee of £130million could be required if Blues boss Graham Potter is to lure Bellingham back to English shores.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City are also monitoring the teenage sensation, however, meaning a bidding war remains likely.
A similar fee would be required to land West Ham captain Rice — but the 23-year-old is expected to be far more receptive to a move.
Having stayed loyal to his current employers despite a string of scintillating Euro 2020 performances, the Hammers have struggled to hit their stride in 2022-23.
Desperate to test himself at the highest level, a move to Chelsea would give Rice a chance to play European football and also see him link up with close friend Mason Mount.
American owner Todd Boehly is set to back Potter heavily in the transfer market and midfield reinforcements have been identified as a priority.
While Rice and Bellingham would likely set the West Londoners back over £250m, their capture would surely help fast-track Potter's side back to Europe's top table.
In other news
Spanish outlet Fichajes claim Chelsea’s USA international Christian Pulisic, 24, is wanted by Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus.
Reports in Italy claim Juve’s Serbian international striker Dusan Vlahovic, 22, will be Newcastle’s top transfer target next summer should the Magpies secure Champions League qualification.
AS write that Joao Felix will be allowed to leave Atletico Madrid on loan, with the Portuguese starlet, 23, being watched by Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
