West Ham not interested in Chelsea swap deal proposals for Rice

West Ham are not interested in any swap deals in exchange for Declan Rice and are adamant their star midfielder will not be sold this summer, claims The Guardian.

Frank Lampard wants to sign Rice from West Ham and convert the England international into a centre-back as a solution to Chelsea's defensive woes.

Chelsea will look to address their shortcomings at the back once they have signed Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen with Rice at the top of Lampard's wishlist.

However, West Ham are digging their heels in over Rice's future and have categorically ruled out his departure over the summer.

Chelsea were willing to send both Ross Barkley and Michy Batshuayi to West Ham in return for Rice but David Moyes' side are not interested.

While Moyes wants to sell some current West Ham players to raise his summer transfer kitty, Rice will not be one to leave.

Rice was let go by Chelsea as a schoolboy and but has fuelled speculation of a return after admitting he would like to play with best friend Mason Mount at club level.

However, West Ham hold all the cards over Rice's future after all but securing their Premier League status for another season.

Coupled with the fact Rice still has four years left to run on his current West Ham contract, Moyes' side are in no rush to cash in.

Only three players have won possession in the middle third more times than Rice (149) in the Premier League this season.