Declan Rice admired by Chelsea but chances of January West Ham United exit slim
Declan Rice is not likely to leave West Ham United in the January transfer window despite interest from Chelsea, according to The Atheltic.
The 23-year-old has again been a star for the Irons this season and shone brightly at the World Cup for England but the Hammers still have no interest in selling him to anyone in January.
Rice is “admired” by Chelsea who are keen to try and make a move for him in the near future with Todd Boehly’s wealth but they are thought to be waiting until the summer when there are only 12 months left on his contract.
West Ham are also said to be demanding a fee too high for Chelsea to reach in the winter window having gone ballistic with spending in the closing days of the summer window once Boehly’s takeover had gone through.
The Athletic report that other clubs are also in pursuit of the 23-year-old who is on a shortlist of seven players Chelsea could sign for their midfield, including Jude Bellingham and Enzo Fernandez.
Glue
Not only is Rice by far the best player at West Ham United but he is also the club captain and the upheaval that could come from him leaving mid-season is far too much for this squad to handle.
David Moyes is already up against it with the Irons struggling to meet their lofty heights of the past two seasons domestically down in 17th in the Premier League.
The last thing he needs is to sell his unquestionable star man regardless of the price he would go for when options to replace him are so very limited.
This summer, however, looks like it has to be the time Rice either commits to the club for the future or goes as to bring in a hefty sum that the board can use to rebuild this ageing Hammers squad.
But with relegation a serious threat right now, Rice will not be allowed to go anywhere and he wouldn’t want to jump ship while it is sinking into the Championship either.