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Pep Guardiola wants Declan Rice as West Ham United star has head turned, £100m+ deal on the cards
Pep Guardiola remains a long-term admirer of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice even though Manchester City have a glut of similar options to him, as reported by The Mirror.
The newspaper (2 Dec, page 56) adds that the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are also interested in signing the 23-year-old midfielder, but the Irons are desperate to keep hold of their star player.
If he moves to the Etihad Stadium (or elsewhere), the fee is likely to cross £100m, the record set by Man City when they signed Jack Grealish from Aston Villa. Man united are said to be ready to “break the bank” for the Hammers captain but they’d need to quality for the Champions League to do so.
Rice, who is currently on England duty for the World Cup, made it clear on Thursday (1 December) that he wants to experience Champions League football, indirectly hinting at a move away from the club.
His head has been turned around after seeing his England teammates playing in the Champions League and winning trophies, and now he wants to follow the same route.
Inevitable
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The Hammers skipper has been a great player for the club, and he deserves to play for a big club.
He has always played with pride and passion and gave his all on the pitch.
Since the last Euro, he has taken his game to a whole new level. Amid all the rumours outside, he kept on delivering for his club (and country), without letting the standard fall by even an inch.
It has to be noted that Rice has become a guaranteed starter in Gareth Southgate’s squad. It only shows his consistency and the faith of the manager in his ability.
West Ham have progressed immensely under David Moyes but not at the same rate that they can match Rice’s ambitions at the moment.
Had the Hammers made a strong start, and been in a situation to qualify for the Champions League next season, they probably would have been in a position to convince him to stay put.
Rice has already rejected a lucrative contract from West Ham worth £83m, which suggests that money is not a motivating factor for him. He is almost certain to leave the London club.