As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Chelsea tell Lampard he must sell defender if he wants Gimenez, Rice

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has been told he must sell one of his defenders to bring in a new one.

The Telegraph says Lampard has identified West Ham's Declan Rice and Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez as prime candidates to help shore up his leaking defensive lines, though must flog a surplus player in order to make bids.

Chelsea therefore look likely to part with either Andreas Christensen or Kurt Zouma, both of which have failed to nail down a regular starting berth under Lampard.

Last week Chelsea opted against exercising their buy-back clause for former player Nathan Ake, who looks set to leave Bournemouth and join Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Chelsea therefore look likely to part with either Andreas Christensen or Kurt Zouma

Lampard however has his eyes on West Ham's versatile defensive midfielder Rice, who the hammers value at £65m.

Atletico's Gimenez has also been made a top priority, though it appears unlikely the Blues will swoop for both players.

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free