West Ham United insider @ExWHUemployee has been sharing his thoughts regarding the future of Hammers midfielder Declan Rice and the potential transfer interest in him.
This comes after Ex co-hosted a recent episode of The West Ham Way Podcast, where he spoke about a range of subjects concerning David Moyes’ side.
On the subject of Rice, his future at the east London club and the potential transfer interest in the midfielder, Ex had this to say on the matter.
He said: “I think Chelsea are keen on him. I think they will test the water in the summer.
“I think they will put a bid in, but I think it will have to be, as I said, around £80 million or above for us to seriously consider it, but I think that they’ve got to at least test the water because I don’t think you get a better defensive midfielder anywhere.
“And obviously, teams need English players as well for their quotas and he’s captain material, he’ll be captain of that squad before too long, there are so many factors that would make signing Declan Rice, if you’ve got the money, a great signing, and think all the tournament will have done is increase the interest in him.”
Since making his senior debut for the Hammers back in May 2017 under former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, the 22-year-old, who is currently valued at £58.5 million, has made 145 appearances for the east London club across all competitions, in which he has scored five goals and provided five assists (per Transfermarkt).
TIF Thoughts on Ex’s comments about Rice…
Given how previous reports have linked Premier League clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United with a potential move for Rice, it’s easy to see why Ex there could be some activity this summer with clubs trying to work out a possible deal for the Englishman.
Considering how the midfielder has reportedly turned down two contract offers from West Ham in recent weeks, this could potentially put his future at the club into doubt, even though his current deal isn’t set to expire until 2024.
Do you think Rice will sign a new deal at West Ham this summer?
Yes
No
In our view, if Rice doesn’t sign a new deal with West Ham this summer and a club such as Chelsea do try and sign the midfielder, it will ultimately be down to what Rice wants to do, however, with West Ham securing Europa League football for next season, we feel that he should stay this summer and help the club progress in that competition as best they can.
In other news: ‘It might affect it’ – Insider reveals potential big Lingard stumbling block at West Ham