Peter Lynch

Sun 30 April 2023 18:10, UK

Carlton Palmer has predicted that West Ham will not sell Declan Rice for anything less than £120million.

Rice could be on the move this summer as he approaches the final 12 months of his contract, although the Hammers have yet to receive an enquiry for the midfielder, according to Claret & Hugh.

But talkSPORT pundit Palmer believes West Ham can expect a massive windfall if they do decide to sell their captain.

“I’m a big admirer of Declan,” Palmer said live on talkSPORT. “He’s a throwback to back in my days, a genuine box-to-box player, dribbles with the ball, can pass, can galvanise a game, he’s got everything. A fantastic football player.”

Palmer continued: “It’s going to be big money. West Ham aren’t going to let him go for less than, you would think, £120million. I think it’s a conversation that Declan will have with the club and say ‘I’ve gone as far as I can go with you, you’re going to get good money for me.’

“Obviously you’re not going to replace him, but you’re going to have funds to take the club a bit further.”

Huge decision for Rice

Rice seemingly has the world at his feet when it comes to where he wants to play his football next season.

There will be a huge battle for his signature this summer, with his current club West Ham perhaps still in the ring, although that is perhaps the most unlikely scenario involving the star midfielder.

A long list of Premier League clubs could move for the 24-year-old, who has been at the top level for club and country in recent years.

The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool could all look towards Rice to bolster their midfield for next season, with those playing Champions League football undoubtedly in a more advantageous position to acquire his services.

Hammers supporters will be gutted to say goodbye to their skipper, but the most realistic of them will thank the midfielder for his services and wish him all the best in whatever challenge comes next.