Chelsea should pursue Declan Rice to replace N'Golo Kante, according to former England striker Darren Bent.

Frank Lampard is reportedly keen to sign West Ham star Rice to play centre-back.

But Bent thinks the England international could play in midfield for the Blues in place of Kante.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Bent said: "For me, Declan Rice would be an upgrade.

"Not only because he can play that role really, really well, he can get about the pitch, has got good energy, reads the game really well.

"Not only that as well, he can drop into centre half, that's two positions he can play.

"N'Golo Kante has been a superb footballer and still is a great footballer.

"He won the Premier League with Leicester, went to Chelsea and won the Premier League and won the World Cup back in 2018 and I just think for a season and a half now he's not played in that role we know he is so good at.

"Maybe (Maurizio) Sarri was on to something because he felt he wasn't quick enough in possession to play him there.

"Sarri got absolutely killed for not playing him there but Frank Lampard has come in and done the same thing and no-one has really said anything."