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West Ham United: Ian McGarry discusses Declan Rice

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Speaking on the latest episode of The Transfer Window podcast, Ian McGarry has been talking about Declan Rice.

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General view inside the London Stadium ahead of West Ham v Norwich City

To kick-off this quiz on David Moyes on the hard side, which club was his first game on the touchline at the London Stadium against?

Duncan Castles joined McGarry, and for most of the episode, he left the talking to Castles, but McGarry did provide some insight into Rice and his future amid ongoing links with Chelsea.

“The information that we have is that West Ham United would only sell Declan Rice for – and we quote a source here – ‘a ridiculous offer’.

“Now, that offer we are told is £60m-plus, which does seem expensive; however, in the current market, then perhaps it is realistic.”

Castles also added some information on Rice later on in the episode.

“West Ham United staying in the Premier League has obviously made that [Chelsea buying Rice] more problematic even though Declan Rice has, as you told us the other week, informed West Ham United that he would like to leave for Chelsea.

“My information from a senior source at West Ham United [is] that they will only sell if a crazy offer comes in for Rice.”

So, it seems that the 21-year-old will not be leaving the London Stadium in this window unless the Hammers receive a huge offer.

Would £60m be enough for Rice?

Yes, we could use that to improve the squad

Yes, we could use that to improve the squad

No, I want more than that

No, I want more than that

TIF Thoughts…

There have been reports that West Ham want £80m for the England international, so to bring it down to £60m-plus is perhaps better for the Blues and is a bit closer to his Transfermarkt value of £44.55m.

It is no secret that Frank Lampard wants Rice and wants to use him as a centre-back to improve Chelsea’s poor defensive record from the 2019/20 season, as they conceded the most goals in the top half.

However, it looks like the Hammers will not budge from a fee of more than £60m, so you would think it is now up to Chelsea to match that and bring Rice to Stamford Bridge.

If they can’t meet that fee, then Rice could still be a West Ham player at the end of the transfer window.

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