West Ham captain Declan Rice transfer saga nears end game amid Chelsea and Liverpool interest
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice may have his future eventually sorted out amid interest from Liverpool and Chelsea.
According to TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are the favourites to secure his services in the January transfer window.
It’s understood that Liverpool will still look to pursue his services, but he does appear to be destined to move to Stamford Bridge once the summer window opens.
Bailey said, “We are now entering the end game for Declan Rice, West Ham United have accepted that he is leaving this summer.
“We are now entering the end game for Declan Rice, West Ham United have accepted that he is leaving this summer and for me Rice is now ready and whilst a deal is not confirmed, at the moment I don’t see him going anywhere other than Chelsea. His beloved club from a youngster, I believe he has unfinished business at Stamford Bridge.
“I do expect others to show an interest – Liverpool are going to be rebuilding their midfield and surely they will show an interest.
“Arsenal have also been linked and it is clear Rice could very well have his pick of clubs. But as I said, he will be Chelsea bound, as it stands.”
Spark a bidding war
West Ham are in a great position to get the most money they ever could for their prized asset.
While they would hate to sell Rice, they know that he wants to compete for top honours and that is not going to happen at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have spent a decent amount of money, over the last two summers but under David Moyes, it does seem that the club are regressing rather than taking the next step forward.
While Rice has still not hit his prime, he knows that in order to play in the Champions League and also compete for titles like the Premier League, he would have to move to one of the top six clubs in the Premier League.
It does seem like Chelsea are the favourites to secure his services.
Under the Blues’ new ownership West Ham will be aware that they can pay top dollar for their primary targets and rice undoubtedly is one of them.
It remains to be seen how much they’re willing to pay for the England International and whether or not Liverpool or any other club in the Premier League, tries to hijack, the move.