Dan Ashworth makes £100m decision on Newcastle United signing West Ham United star Declan Rice
Newcastle United have emerged as a potential suitor for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice but his price tag could be a big stumbling block, according to a report from The Atheltic.
Dan Ashworth, the Magpies’ sporting director, has already hinted that the club would be against signing a £100m player, which means they could be against making a genuine effort to sign the Hammers midfielder.
Rice is almost certain to leave the Hammers in the summer and he has no shortage of suitors. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have been linked with a move for the England international, who would surely receive a significant pay rise if he joins a big-six side.
Inevitable
Rice is dead-cert to leave the Hammers in the summer. The 24-year-old is the club’s skipper and he has been very consistent with his performance over the past few years, for both club and country.
The midfielder has expressed his desire to play in the Champions League, and the club won’t stand in his way.
He has a contract at the club until 2024, although West Ham do have the option to extend for a further year. Ideally, the Hammers want him to see out his contract, but he is likely to leave this summer. In fact, the club have no intention of activating the clause.
Liverpool probably will need a midfielder next summer but they’re reportedly after Jude Bellingham. Manchester City are also linked with a move but the club has been hit by more than 100 financial fair-play charges.
David Moyes said that Rice would command a British record transfer fee if he leaves, which means, the bidding war for the midfielder will start at £106m at the very least after Chelsea signed Enzo Fernandez for £105m in the January transfer window.