Mason Mount is doing his best to convince Declan Rice to join Chelsea.
The West Ham star has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Thomas Tuchel is said to be a huge admirer of the midfielder.
Rice has reportedly rejected two contract offers from the Hammers which has thrown his future at the club in doubt.
Chelsea are the favourites to secure his signature but West Ham insist their prized asset is not for sale despite David Moyes valuing him as a £100million player.
Rice, who has been starring for England at Euro 2020 as Gareth Southgate’s men reached the semi-final with a 4-0 rout over Ukraine, is good friends with Mount who enjoyed an impressive season with Chelsea as they won the Champions League.
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And it seems Mount is keen on his childhood pal making the switch to Blues as he FaceTimed Rice following their historic win in Porto in May to show off his winner’s medal, according to The Athletic.
The report says the 22-year-old wanted to remind Rice of the rewards that come with playing for a top European club.
Rice’s current contract at West Ham expires in 2024, although the club have the option to extend it by an extra year.
Manchester City were seemingly in pole position to acquire his services at one point last season, but their priority during this window appears to be signing a new striker as they remain in the hunt for Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
City also handed Fernandinho a one-year contract extension which was an indication they wouldn’t be pursuing a deal for Rice this summer.
Chelsea’s interest in Rice dates back to Frank Lampard before he was sacked midway through last season.
And Tuchel has a similar opinion to his predecessor despite Chelsea’s wealth of options in midfield including N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Billy Gilmour, who has joined Norwich City on a season-long loan.
Manchester United are the latest club to join the race for the highly-rated Englishman, but Mount’s presence at Chelsea could play a huge part in his next landing spot.
