Chelsea target Declan Rice is being linked with Manchester United.

West Ham’s versatile England star, 21, has so far proved too costly for even the big-spending Blues.

But Rice’s ability to play in central defender or as an anchor midfielder tick two of the boxes Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to fill.

Chelsea are thought likely to bid again for Rice, although a serious offer might not come until next summer.

And reports suggest United will be genuine rivals for his signature – if the Hammers relent on selling their prized asset.

Wayne Rooney’s son Kai has followed in his father’s footsteps by signing for Manchester United’s academy.

United’s record goalscorer posted a picture on social media of the 11-year-old, the oldest of Rooney’s four sons, signing a contract at his dad’s former club.

Rooney accompanied the image with the caption: ‘Proud day. Kai signing for @manchesterunited. Keep up the hard work son.’

Rooney, 38 years of age and now in interim charge of Derby, joined United from Everton in 2004.

The former England striker had a glittering 13-year career at Old Trafford, scoring 253 times in 559 appearances and breaking Sir Bobby Charlton’s long-standing goal record in January 2017.

Coleen Rooney wrote on Instagram: ‘Special night….. congratulations Kai. I love you and I am so proud of you. Keep trying your best.’

During his remarkable career at Old Trafford, Rooney won five Premier League titles, three League Cups, one FA Cup, one Europa League and one Champions League.

Rooney left for boyhood club Everton in 2017 before joining MLS outfit DC United prior to moving to Derby.

Photo Credit: Wayne Rooney/Twitter

Chelsea transfer target Declan Rice is now reportedly represented by his father – a Stamford Bridge season ticket holder.

The West Ham United midfielder is enjoying another impressive campaign after the Hammers fended off interest from the Blues last summer.

Frank Lampard is desperate to add the England international to his ranks.

And those hopes could have been raised after The Athletic reported his die-hard Chelsea supporting dad Sean is now acting as his agent.

However, they state any thoughts of that having a direct impact on any potential transfer as being ‘premature’ with West Ham’s stance remaining the same.

Marcel Desailly has claimed Olivier Giroud will never be as important for Chelsea as he is for his country.

The France international was considering leaving the Stamford Bridge club in January before his heroic forue goals against Sevilla in the Champions League win, and has since been handed a starting point in the Blues attack.

But former Chelsea captain Desailly told Goal: “He is not the future of Chelsea and he can never be the main man.

“He can only be important at moments for the club because Lampard can be clever to study the opponents and use him in specific games against teams who don’t like facing a player with his strengths.

“I believe that Lampard has helped Giroud shine often by getting a lot out of him but he can’t be the first choice for Lampard. He has Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner to compete with, so he can’t maintain his first-choice status from the start until the end.

“It is just down to Lampard to use him at the right time, get runners around him to allow him to shine.

“He is 34 years old now so don’t ask him to be the main man but make sure that he is important when he is needed. With his age, and status as a world champion, then I think this is about how and when you use him.”

Disgusted Chelsea defender Reece James warned thieves who stole Christmas charity gifts from his car: “What goes around comes around”.

The England star found his window smashed when he returned from helping food charity The Felix Project, where he donated £10,000.

The 21-year-old wrote on Instagram: “Another rewarding experience with the Felix Project today serving meals to the younger generation.

“Hopefully we spread some joy ahead of a challenging Christmas period.

“Unfortunately, I was met with huge disappointment when returning to my car.

“During the event, someone felt the need to break in and steal gifts that I was due to go and donate later in the day.

“What goes around comes around.”

James has become an integral member of Frank Lampard’s Chelsea squad since returning from a loan spell at Wigan to make his debut last season.

Photo Credit: Twitter