Wolves’ all-time top scorer Steve Bull has refuted claims that West Ham midfielder Declan Rice deserves a price tag of £100 million.
Having been declared by Rob Lee as the best holding midfielder in the league, Lee valued the Hammers’ academy graduate in the region of £80 to £100 million.
This claim was in line with similar claims made by David Moyes himself on Rice’s true worth in today’s transfer market, declaring it would take ‘Bank of England’ money to part with Rice.
Conversely, Moyes did concede that West Ham would be open to considering a sale if any significant offers came in for the bulwark.
Speaking to the Transfer Tavern, Bull rebuffed these valuations claiming:
“I think £100 million is a bit too much Mr Lee. We were saying last week that Neto was worth £75 million so you’ve really got to be thinking around that mark”.
However, Bull was bullish on the trajectory of Rice’s future, indicating that he still feels that Rice is a talented young player. Bull continued:
“I mean, it’s silly talking about these figures like £50, 70 and 100 million but I do think he’s a class player. You’re probably looking at Ronaldo for £100 million but no, I don’t think he’s worth that much.”
With plenty of years left to run on his existing deal and a firmly-established England career – all at the age of just 22 – Rice is clearly a coveted club asset.
Under no significant pressure to sell, the ball is firmly rooted on West Ham’s pitch as to how much they can look to demand for the robust midfield presence.
He is valued at £54 million by Transfermarkt.
In other news: Ex-England international claims Juventus midfielder would ‘suit’ the Hammers