Fresh reasons have emerged as to why Chelsea may call off move to sign Declan Rice this January.

Chelsea staff are reportedly doubful over the potential signing of the West Ham midfielder.

According to the reports, the west London could opt to ditch their pursuit altogether if Frank Lampard is dismissed.

That’s according to The Athletic, who report that Chelsea’s desire to sign the England international comes primarily from Lampard.

They also claimed that there are some at Chelsea who hold doubts over the midfielder’s ability and whether they should be looking at him.

The value of any potential transfer has also reportedly caused doubts at Stamford Bridge.

David Orstein told the Athletic’s YouTube channel: “This [Rice] is a target driven by Lampard and there are some at Stamford Bridge who harbour reservations, including over whether Rice has corrected certain perceived weaknesses that contributed to the decision to release him from their academy as a teenager.

“And also, the sure scale of finance it would take to get him out of West Ham.”