'Suddenly, you're thinking...' - Exclusive: Danny Mills reacts to huge West Ham transfer update
Danny Mills believes West Ham midfielder Declan Rice will be seriously tempted by the prospect of joining Chelsea.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former England full-back believes Rice will be "flattered" by Chelsea's interest in him.
Football Insider revealed last week that the Blues were preparing to offer England midfielder Ross Barkley in a player-plus-cash deal that they value at £70million for Rice.
In July, Chelsea were willing to offer one or more of Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma and Michy Batshuayi for the 21-year-old, but Batshuayi has subsequently joined Crystal Palace on loan.
The London giants will need to offload some players before they make a firm offer for Rice but remain keen on a late window deal.
Asked by Football Insider what Rice will make of Chelsea's interest, Mills said: "You'll always be flattered.
"It's always interesting especially when you look at the interesting players that Chelsea have pulled together over the window.
"Suddenly you're thinking 'I am currently going to be in a team that is a bottom half team that is fighting relegation perhaps as opposed to a team that is going to be in the Champions League and challenging.'"
Rice made his 100th Premier League appearance for West Ham on Saturday as the Hammers fell to a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
In total the versatile midfielder has played 110 times across all competitions for West Ham, contributing three goals and five assists.
After playing three friendlies for the Republic of Ireland, Rice controversially switched allegiance to England last year and has played nine times for the Three Lions.