Chelsea boss Frank Lampard wants to step up their push for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

The Athletic says Lampard has changed his mind about how he intends to use the England international in his side.

The Blues have long been linked with a move for Rice, who has impressed for West Ham over the past few seasons in spite of their struggles in the Premier League.

Initially it was reported that Lampard wanted to convert Rice from his central midfield position into a centre-back to act as cover for the likes of Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma.

But Lampard has changed his mind following his side's disappointing 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, and wants Rice to sit just in front of the back four for his team.