Ian McGarry has been speaking on the latest episode of The Transfer Window podcast, discussing the futures of Declan Rice and John Stones.
Duncan Castles joined McGarry, and for most of the topics discussed, he left Castles to do most of the talking; however, McGarry did chip in with some insight on the duo, hinting that the City centre-back could emerge as a target for the Hammers if Rice moves on this summer.
McGarry said: “West Ham United are the latest club to be linked with the player [Stones], Everton have been linked as well – obviously, his former club.
“I think what’s interesting about this particular proposal with regards to Stones and West Ham is that they’ve got two established centre-backs in [Issa] Diop and [Angelo] Ogbonna.
“We have reported on the pod in the last few weeks [of] Chelsea’s interest in Declan Rice, who, of course, has been playing in a defensive midfield role, but Frank Lampard sees him as part of a back three or a back four.
“Now, if they’re [West Ham] going to spend, let’s just estimate, at this point in time, but maybe around £30m on John Stones, it does suggest that they are preparing themselves for the departure of Rice.”
What would you prefer?
Keep Rice
Buy Stones
TIF Thoughts…
The Manchester City defender was linked with a move to the London Stadium last week as Chelsea continue to be interested in Rice.
However, it is thought that the Blues would not be getting him for any less than £80m, some of which may be spent on capturing Stones, as McGarry suggests.
Stones has played as a defensive midfielder on seven occasions for City, so he can play there, and if Rice were to move on, he could fill that role for David Moyes, or he could add to West Ham’s options at centre-back.
It will be interesting to see if McGarry is right in suggesting that links regarding a move for Stones is a sign that the Hammers are preparing for life without Rice.