Transfer insider Dean Jones has sent an ominous warning to West Ham United by suggesting that Thomas Tuchel is a huge admirer of Declan Rice.
The midfielder’s future is still up in the air after he rejected yet another proposal from his current employers which would have seen him commit the next eight years of his career to the Hammers.
The Irons do still hold the bargaining chips with his current deal running until 2024 and the club have placed a reported £150m valuation over the head of the 2021/22 Hammer of the Year however, Jones believes that Tuchel is still intent on bringing him to Stamford Bridge.
In April, 90min reported that Manchester United were prepared to smash their transfer record to land the midfielder while it is thought the 23-year-old would prefer a return to his boyhood club Chelsea, who are also plotting a bid.
Speaking to Ranks FC he said:
“The other one [Thomas] Tuchel really, really, really wants is Declan Rice. This is back on the table. Obviously, there is the huge issue of his fee.
“So a lot of people are not really considering this transfer a thing at the moment. I am, I believe that this is one that might yet emerge.”
Should West Ham accept £150 million for Rice?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Rice and West Ham…
GSB’s attempts to tie the £62k-per-week star down to a new deal have so far been rebuked but with the option of extending the England international’s current contract until 2025, supporters have no real reason to worry just yet.
Rice has previously told ESPN that he as an “urgent” desire to play Champions League football “as soon as possible” and that won’t be possible at the London Stadium next season so will it be interesting to see how this story develops and whether Chelsea follow through on Tuchel’s reported interest.
Hate the thought of him leaving. But if he does, it should be to anyone but that plastic club in west London. They took Joe Cole from us at a time when he was England’s finest player, and they ruined him. We can’t let them do that again with Declan.