Sports Chelsea 'ramp up £45m interest in West Ham star Rice and Lampard plans to use him as centre-half'
And Frank Lampard wants the 21-year-old England international to play centre-half and lead his defence.
Chelsea have already signed Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner.
But the Sun claim the spending spree will continue and Lampard has asked the club to sign Hammers talisman Rice.
Lampard is keen to shift him from the holding midfield position he currently plays in back into defence.
He recently played at centre-back against Wolves and impressed boss David Moyes.
Chelsea have sounded out their London rivals over a deal this summer and believe they can sign him for around £45m.
Rice began his youth career at Chelsea, but was released at the age of 14. .
