Good rapport between managers could lead to four deals between Chelsea and West Ham United — report

Although the world of football is usually fueled by money and intense competition between teams, players, managers and everyone else involved, there's still room for a bit of friendship and fellowship beyond just the token respect given before and after games.

According to Matt Law of the Telegraph, Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is enjoying a good rapport with West Ham boss Slaven Bilic. This good relationship has apparently led the Hammers to inquire about a few players, including goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, as well as youngsters Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Dominic Solanke. While the chances of West Ham in acquiring Fàbregas are slim due to the Spaniard's reluctance in leaving Chelsea, the two Chelsea Academy prospects are more feasible targets according to the report.

In Loftus-Cheek's case, the young midfielder, who’s largely featured as a second striker under Conte, has only made three appearances with Chelsea, two of those coming in the League Cup. The lack of cup matches in which Loftus-Cheek could partake could make a January loan a smart move, especially should Chelsea make a signing or two. West Ham wouldn’t guarantee first team football for the 20-year-old however.

As for Solanke, the young striker is still entangled in a dispute with the club over a new contract. His current deal is set to expire next summer, and the 19-year-old asked for £50,000-per-week wages to extend his tenure at Chelsea. While negotiations between club and player are ongoing, Solanke would not be allowed to join West Ham on loan, according to the report.

It is unlikely that either Loftus-Cheek or Solanke would get any chances for regular first-team football at Chelsea in the future, especially with the club facing a reduced fixture list this seaosn. Thus, it would be best to have them continue their progress in teams that will provide them those chances, though whether West Ham, who are close to getting embroiled in a relegation dogfight, are that team is debatable...