A Chelsea fan took matter into his own hand over the battle to acquire the services of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice during the Three Lions clash with Poland.

Rice has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over recent years but does not appear to be getting involved in the frenzy for his signature

Following England’s recent 1-1 draw with Poland in World Cup qualifying, the midfielder appeared to head towards a portion of the crowd to express his gratitude and take a few photographs.

Whilst there though, a Chelsea shirt was draped over the edge of the stand, with a particularly confident fan saying “you know where to go.”

The 22-year-old spotted the supporter but appeared to remain impartial and then chose to turn around to rejoin his Three Lions colleagues in the dressing room.

The international break was certainly a memorable one for the 22-year-old as he netted his second goal for England with a well-taken strike against Hungary.

Rice is contracted to West Ham until 2024 but he is not expected to sign a new contract, making a move probable next summer as the Londoners would be under pressure to cash in.

Manchester United believe the influence of their England contingent puts them at an advantage over potential Premier League competitors. Chelsea are long-time admirers of Rice and Manchester City may look to replace the ageing Fernandinho next year.

Manchester United star Paul Pogba has given his seal of approval to Aurelien Tchouameni, hailing his ‘extraordinary’ talent.

Tchouameni has caught the eye of Chelsea, Manchester United and other several top-flight clubs after starring for Ligue 1 side Monaco after joining them from Bordeaux for £16million in January 2020.

He was closely linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with Chelsea and United vying for his signature, but has stayed in France for another season to develop his skills further.

Chelsea opted to sign Saul Niguez on loan for the season instead of pursuing Tchouameni, but are ready to target him once more next summer.

United, who have an ongoing saga regarding Pogba’s own future at the club, are understood to be keen to bolster their depth in midfield and have identified Tchouameni as a long-term prospect.

The 21-year-old was a first-team regular last season, playing 42 times for Monaco in all competitions, and has so far started all the club’s games this season.

His recent performances earned the midfielder his first call-up to Didier Deschamps France squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers, where he played in all three matches and started alongside Pogba against Ukraine

The Red Devils star was not shy in his praise of his France midfield partner after the 1-1 draw and said he was keen to play regularly with Tchouameni for the national team.

“Very very good. He’s not a boy, he’s a man,” Pogba told Ouest-France.

“It was a pleasure to play next to him. He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, extraordinary technical and physical quality.

“We wish him to play lots of matches. and that I am always at his side.”

After seeing their move for Jules Kounde break down in the January transfer window, Chelsea could reportedly be set to try again.

According to ESPN, the Blues would be interested in making a move for the Frenchman but only if Sevilla lower their demands to €50 (£42m).

The Premier League side are willing to do business if Sevilla agrees to reduce their asking price, as the Blues are prepared to part with €50 million for the French defender.

It started as a promising pursuit from Chelsea as they viewed Jules Kounde as the perfect player to strengthen their defence. Thomas Tuchel was keen on signing a versatile centre-back capable of covering at right-back, and the Sevilla star fits the bill nicely.

While the Spanish club initially demanded interested parties to pay Kounde’s massive €80 million release clause, they eventually lowered a stance. Chelsea reportedly had a verbal agreement over a fee of €50 million-plus add ons, and the Frenchman looked primed for a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea seemingly ceded their interest and had hoped for a last-minute change of heart from the Spanish side to complete a late transfer before deadline day. A move never materialised, as Kounde remained at Sevilla, and the Blues are £30 million richer and a man short after Zouma’s move to West Ham United.

The Premier League club have continued monitoring Kounde ever since, hoping to make a splash next summer. However, they could sign the Frenchman in January if Sevilla lower their asking price and take the €50 million they previously agreed to.

Kounde has three years left on his deal, and Chelsea’s increasing interest in him will probably tempt Sevilla to hold their ground. After some decent sales this summer, the Spanish side are not desperate to generate more funds, not particularly by letting one of their top stars leave for a discount.

Chelsea will attempt to persuade the La Liga club in January and might have the upper hand with Kounde himself keen on joining the Blues. Only the winter window will provide answers if Kounde moves the ship to England or remains in Spain.