West Ham United had managed to hold onto Declan Rice for one more season but as per various reports, the club are preparing for life without the midfielder next season.
Clubs like Chelsea and Man United had tried to sign him in the summer but since West Ham had secured a Europa League place, Rice chose to stay back and help his side in Europe. But he’s more than ready to head out once the current season comes to an end.
According to ESPN, West Ham United are ready to part ways with Declan Rice in the summer but they will demand a transfer fee in excess of £80m for the player.
Declan Rice vs other CM/CDM’s this season:
• Interceptions (1st)
• Total dribbles (1st)
• Successful dribbles (1st)
• Progressive carry distance (1st)
• Passes into final third (1st)
• Ball recoveries (2nd)
• Ground duels won (3rd)
• Tackles (4th)
• Assists (4th) pic.twitter.com/TRXgb8pexW— Vᴅʏᴋ🔮 (@VdykCFC) February 3, 2022
Which clubs are interested in signing Declan Rice?
Man United and Chelsea have been chasing Declan Rice for more than a year but Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are also keen to sign the defensive midfielder.
Chelsea were said to be the favourites to sign Rice last summer and they are still standing at the front of the queue. According to many, the West Ham United midfielder will snub other interests and head back to his boyhood club.
Man United have a gaping hole in the defensive midfield area but they still did not sign a midfielder last month and as per many, the club are saving their money and their energy to try and go after Declan Rice.
Man City’s interest in Rice is a bit shocking though since Rodri has done a great job in that role and he’s just signed a new deal with the Etihad outfit.
Is David Moyes ready to sell Declan Rice in the summer?
West Ham United had tried to sign Kalvin Phillips in January but a deal did not go through and according to many journalists, David Moyes is going to try and sign him once again in the summer.
If the Hammers make a move for Phillips at the end of this season then surely Declan Rice will be sold.
Rice’s current deal expires in 2024 so the club can easily quote an absurdly high figure and the clubs who are interested in signing him can very easily afford to pay amounts of £80m+.
The 23-year-old chose to remain at the London Stadium only because the club are playing in Europe this season but with or without Champions League football, Declan Rice will be heading out in the summer.
