Declan Rice seriously considering West Ham exit as Chelsea plot bid after Euros
Chelsea will bid for West Ham United ace Declan Rice after the Euros, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
While the England international is unlikely to hand in a transfer request anytime soon, the journalist has claimed on the Football Terrace YouTube channel that he is “seriously considering leaving” the Hammers this summer”.
The Stamford Bridge outfit are keen, and negotiations are expected to start around the £60million mark.
Any chances of losing Rice?
The 22-year-old has already rejected two contract offers and is looking for around £200,000 from interested suitors [Euro Sport].
While Rice deserves it, West Ham are not likely to be willing to offer him any wages close to that, and it could deal a blow on our chances of retaining him.
£60million may not tempt the Irons board into parting ways with the midfielder, but £80million could be enough, especially if Rice insists on leaving.
We hate to admit it, but losing one of our best players looks inevitable. It now appears that it is a question of when and not if.
David Moyes’ side are playing in Europe next season, but the chance to play regular Champions League football and challenge for silverware every campaign at Chelsea is tempting.
Rice watched some of his former teammates during his academy days at the west London side lift the biggest club prize in Europe last season, and it is only normal for him to crave that level of success.
Let’s admit it, West Ham will not be winning the Champions League anytime soon. Not under this current board.
The Irons ace deserves to play at the highest level, and should we manage to hold on to him beyond this summer, next season could be his last at the London Stadium, except if some drastic positive changes happen at the club.
In other West Ham news, Hammers have made contact over 26-goal striker who made EUROs headlines last week.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.