By Sam Stone

17th Nov, 2022 | 1:30pm

Newcastle emerge as a potential destination for Declan Rice as West Ham United future remains uncertain

Declan Rice has emerged as a potential transfer target for Newcastle United as questions continue to grow over his West Ham United future, say Claret and Hugh.

The Hammers tried to tie down Rice to a new deal, with talkSPORT reporting on 11 May that the club had offered the 23-year-old an eight-year deal at the London Stadium.

90min reported (4 October) that Chelsea still viewed the England international as their top target, with there being longstanding interest from the West side of London.

However, it’s since been suggested (Claret and Hugh, 17 November) club insiders feel Newcastle may see the summer window as a chance to sign Rice, with the Magpies potentially playing Champions League football.

Claret & Hugh reported: “Rice is seen as the kind of player by Newcastle who can be a cornerstone of their project for years to come and they have plenty of cash to splash.”

Could happen

If Newcastle manage to secure Champions League football this season then there’s no reason why this signing wouldn’t be on the cards. Rice’s contract is coming to its conclusion in the summer of 2024, and with every day that passes, his value will decrease.

For Rice, there’s no doubt he will want to be playing elite European football in the near future, and with Newcastle only on the way up, St James’ Park certainly looks like an attractive proposition. It’s likely more high-quality players will be heading up to the North East in the not-too-distant future.

West Ham must decide whether cashing in on Rice or keeping him until his contract comes to a close is the best decision. At the moment, it’s evident the Irons would be in serious trouble without the England international. This summer could certainly be a period where his future at the London Stadium comes under the microscope again.