Chelsea are not considering a “late move” for West Ham vice-captain Declan Rice, according to Eurosport journalist Dean Jones.

The Blues have reportedly been told in no uncertain terms by the Hammers that the 22-year-old is not for sale and Thomas Tuchel’s side are now pursuing alternatives:

?? Chelsea’s alternative to Declan Rice
? Wolves winger on the move?
?? American striker available for “bargain” fee

? ?????? ????????: @DeanJonesSoccer takes a closer look at five under the radar signings that could join the Premier League this summer ?

— Eurosport UK (@Eurosport_UK) August 20, 2021

There have been concerns about Rice’s future ever since it was revealed that he had turned down two new contract offers from West Ham but the club have been consistent on their asking price.

Some journalists have claimed that the Irons were willing to sell for below their initial £100m price tag, but Jones says the London club have not buckled on their valuation.

It means that while Chelsea have “strongly considered” a bid for Rice, the cost of the transfer has proven too onerous so they have moved on to looking at Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni instead. That will come as a tremendous relief to West Ham supporters.