By Olly Allen

18th Dec, 2021 | 10:30am

ExWHUemployee: Declan Rice is 'too good' to leave for Newcastle United

There is no chance of West Ham United star Declan Rice moving to Newcastle United, according to ExWHUemployee.

The England international was linked with a shocking move to St. James’ Park by Eurosport in October, following the completion of the Magpies’ Saudi-backed takeover.

The same outlet claimed in September that Rice was subject to interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Responding to a fan on Twitter who asked about the Newcastle rumours, ExWHUemployee ruled out the midfielder making the switch to Tyneside.

The insider said: “No, he is too good for them.”

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It always seemed a bizarre suggestion that Rice would make the move to Newcastle in January.

The Magpies might now be one of the richest clubs in the world following their takeover, but they are going to be unable to attract high calibre players while they are in a relegation battle.

There is no way that Rice would swap competing for a place in the Champions League for fighting to avoid dropping into the Championship.

Speculation about the 22-year-old’s future refuses to go away, particularly with the transfer window fast approaching, but as long as the Hammers continue as contenders at the top end of the Premier League they have every chance of keeping him.

Rice has made no secret of his desire to play in the Champions League and the chance to do that with West Ham – the club he has been at since the age of 14 – would be very appealing indeed.

There seems little chance of him leaving the London Stadium in January while the battle for the top four is ongoing.

In other West Ham news, a Hammers targeted has opened up about his future and hinted at a move.

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.