Graeme Souness: Major Premier League event can cause bidding war for West Ham star Declan Rice
New owners at Chelsea could decide to make a “splurge” on arrival which would lead to a bidding war for West Ham star Declan Rice says Graeme Souness.
Manchester United are widely expected to be at the head of the queue for the 23-year-old in the summer, but the European champions have long held an interest.
All plans for a Rice transfer to Stamford Bridge were kicked into the long grass by Roman Abramovic sanctions from the government, but with the prospective buyers being whittled down now the Sky Sports pundit thinks they could be back into the race in a big way.
Writing in his Sunday Times column Souness said of a move to Old Trafford: “The priority for United will be midfield. They must get more energy in there, players who are willing to do the hard yards.
“Nemanja Matic lacks the intensity to play the way the modern game demands, while Paul Pogba just didn’t have the appetite to work hard enough to be effective in the Premier League.
“Scott McTominay is a good squad player but United need more and Rice could be part of the answer. But West Ham United have had a good year and will want to keep him because he’s been an integral part of that.”
Moving onto the Blues he added: “Rice would also be a perfect fit for Chelsea’s midfield, as a more athletic alternative to Jorginho. We don’t know who they will be yet, but new owners often try to get people on side with a splurge to strengthen.”
Wanted
It suddenly seems like teams who might possess the financial muscle to be able to consider Rice needs exactly the type of player he is.
N’Golo Kante, arguably the best in the world for the last few years has suddenly been looking past his best lately, potentially heightening the west Londoners’ need to re-enter the hunt for the Hammers star.
Someone like him has been needed in Manchester for far longer, and such is the level of his recent development, any other giant in the Premier League or Europe could feasibly consider him an upgrade on what they have.
Whether the Iron, who has worn the armband for most of this season, is inclined to stay or go this story will run until the transfer window shuts, unless he signs a contract at the London Stadium or elsewhere.
If there is to be a battle for his services in the summer then David Moyes has made quite clear the club are not going to let him go without a fight.
And in light of the saga that saw Tottenham refuse to entertain a £100million approach from Manchester City for Harry Kane there is no reason to think it is impossible.
Rice hardly seems like the type of character to down tools if he doesn’t get a desired move, and has clearly built up a bond with the Hammers fans.
But in the event that somebody comes up with the £150million the manager previously quoted as the asking price, it would be unfair on the player to still turn it down if he wants to go.
In other West Ham news, Henry Winter has suggested there could be a major player swap on the horizon.
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