West Ham United: Newcastle United make transfer decision on Declan Rice as £250,000-a-week development emerges
Newcastle United won’t shatter their wage structure in order to land West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, according to the Daily Mail.
The Daily Mail claim (print edition, pg 72, 20 April) that Rice and Mason Mount are both of interest to the Magpies.
However, it’s understood the North East high-flyers are eager to stick to their wage structure in order to protect their salary model and stay within the boundaries of Financial Fair Play.
Both players would cost around £80million and command wages of £250,000-a-week, with has been deemed “unrealistic” for the Toon at present.
Bye bye Declan
Rice’s departure from the London Stadium does now look like a forgone conclusion. Talk surrounding the 24-year-old’s next move had gone relatively quiet during the middle part of the 2022/23 season. But, with the summer window now firmly in sight, the rumours are beginning to circulate once again.
Considering the Hammers’ extremely disappointing campaign, there’s next to no chance of the England international committing his long-term future to the club. He’s destined to play Champions League football – and if that cannot come to light at West Ham, then he will move on.
It’s absolutely essential the Hammers reinvest the large transfer fee wisely. This summer won’t be as hectic as the one of 2022, but there certainly have to be improvements made to the squad. Replacing Rice will be impossible, but ensuring the Irons are a more rounded team as a result of his exit will be the board’s priority.
For now, fans simply have to admire their talismanic midfielder’s last couple of games in a claret and blue shirt.