West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice not a transfer option for Newcastle United – journalist
West Ham United captain Declan Rice is not a transfer option for Newcastle United and can be scratched off the list of potential destinations for the 23-year-old, according to Dean Jones.
The England international current contract runs out in the summer of 2024, and a move away this summer has been highly rumoured, with a transfer to St James Park a possibility. [Claret & Hugh]
Although The Magpies want a high-class central midfielder in the upcoming transfer windows, former EuroSport journalist Jones has ruled out a swoop for Rice.
He told GiveMeSport: “They do want a big signing in this position.
“I’m told they are not in for Rice, they’re not in for Caicedo. So, I think we can scratch those two straight off the list.”
Big fee
Although Newcastle became the richest football club in the world last year after their takeover by the Saudi-backed consortium, a move for Rice would certainly be a statement of intent.
With Bruno Guimaraes already a mainstay in their midfield, the Magpies would be better off looking to strengthen their side in other areas before forking out what would probably have to be a fee above £80 million.
They are most likely to be priced out by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, and although David Moyes will be reluctant to lose his captain and talisman, the funds can be reallocated around the squad.
With a new right-back and a replacement midfielder needed to bulk up his squad, the sale of the 23-year-old could help to rebuild the team.
It would come as a hammer blow to fans if Rice were to be sold to Newcastle, with West Ham looking to compete for similar league honours and positions as the north-east club.