Personnel changes
Rice is viewed as the potential successor to N’Golo Kante at the base of Chelsea’s midfield.
Kante has frequently the subject of transfer speculation with many of the Europe’s top clubs keen on the midfielder – while his team-mate Jorginho is also often linked with a move away.
With Kante now 29 and Jorginho just a year younger,Chelsea will be able to lure Rice with the promise that he is the future of the holding position at Stamford Bridge.
By contrast, at United he would be in competition with Scott McTominay, who is only 24.
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Rice’s versatility also comes into play here, with the midfielder able to play as a centre-back.
United and Chelsea will both need defensive reinforcements next summer. But at Stamford Bridge, Rice will be able to learn from a serial silverware winner in Thiago. And with the Brazilian now 36, he is another player whose successor Lampard needs to find.
Magic Lampard
One final factor in Chelsea’s favour would be the opportunity to work under Frank Lampard, one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
While Rice is not the same type of player as Lampard, the 21-year-old will have grown up watching the former England star, and will be fully aware of how much he can learn from one of the club’s greatest ever players.