Thomas Tuchel admitted Declan Rice may be out of Chelsea's price range and says transfers are far from his mind amid the ongoing ownership uncertainty.
The Blues' summer transfer plans are on hold due to the government sanctions imposed on billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.
Tuchel is a huge admirer of West Ham star Rice
They are not able to buy or sell players, or even offer existing players new contracts, while restrictions are in place.
That will change once a new owner is in place, a process unlikely to be completed until next month.
West Ham star Rice has been a long-term target for Chelsea, the club he began his career at until he was released at 14.
Frank Lampard wanted to bring him back to Stamford Bridge, but a move never materialised. He has remained on their radar with a deal likely to cost in the region of £150million.
Reports claim Rice has rejected three contract offers from the Hammers, increasing the likelihood of a move in the near future.
Tuchel was asked about a move for Rice, but said the current figures being reported, and the restrictions on the club, meant that a move for the midfielder was far from their minds.
Rice is already a West Ham hero, but may leave the club in the near future
Tuchel said: "Maybe he is out of our league if we don't have the crisis. That can be when you hear the numbers that are floating around.
"As you know, we generally don't speak about other players, when it comes to whether we are interested - not interested because we take care of the guys that we have here.
"And the situation gives me a slight advantage in that at the moment we cannot even think about buying or selling or doing whatever, so there is nothing to think about."
The Chelsea boss spoke glowingly about the West Ham midfielder, though, and admitted his performances have impressed him.
He will get to see those talents on full display when the Blues host the Hammers at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Mason Mount and Rice are childhood best friends and could be reunited at Chelsea one day
He added: "I rate him very highly. It's not just that he seems to be a very nice guy, everybody tells me from the Chelsea academy, but he proves it, that is the most important thing. He proves it and it feels like he plays every single game.
"He is available, he is captain, he plays with a lot of responsibility, he is a very physical player. A very, very strategic-minded player. A key player for his team. Strong in set-pieces. But that I think that is not a surprise, everybody sees it. He takes responsibility. He is a huge part of the success of this team. And it's impressive, of course."
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