Mauricio Pochettino to push for Declan Rice as first Chelsea signing

Former Tottenham and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is due to be confirmed as new Chelsea boss in the coming days and he has already started to map out plans for next season with the club looking to return to glory days.

According to 90min, Pochettino is aware of Chelsea's longstanding interest in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and is on board with the idea.

As part of their summer transfer plans, Chelsea are looking to sign a new midfielder. It's understood Pochettino's vision for the Blues includes strengthening the club's midfield, which includes extending N'Golo Kante's contract, but the futures of Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher remain undecided.

Arsenal are also heavily linked to Rice, but West Ham have been clear that they will not sell the midfielder unless an offer of at least £100m is submitted.