David Moyes transfer dream to be crushed at West Ham United as exit decision made
David Moyes’ transfer dream for West Ham United this summer is set to be inadvertently crushed by exit-bound star Declan Rice.
The Hammers captain is edging ever nearer to a move away from the London Stadium, with Arsenal lodging a first bid of £80million for his services – which was rejected by West Ham – as well as Manchester City and Chelsea also being keen on his services.
And if Todd Boehly’s cash-rich club were to come snooping this summer, Moyes has his eyes set on a deal that includes Chelsea playmaker Conor Gallagher in part-exchange. [The Sun, 15 June]
The six-capped England international is reportedly admired by the Scottish manager [ExWHUEmployee, 3 June], with the Blues valuing him at £40million.
A host of Premier League sides are interested in signing Gallagher this summer, with Brighton, Newcastle and Tottenham all joining the race, according to talkSPORT, so a move which includes Rice going the other way looked like a brilliant option for the Hammers to pursue.
However, Rice, who signed off his West Ham United career by lifting the Europa Conference League trophy earlier this month, has made it clear that he is not interested in returning to the club that released him at the age of 14. [The Sun, 15 June]
It is looking more likely by the day that the 24-year-old is going to join Mikel Arteta at Arsenal in a big-money transfer. The Gunners have already turned down the option of including Emile Smith-Rowe in a deal for Rice, leaving Moyes in no man’s land in his attempts for additional midfield options.
With his side already booked in for the Europa League next season, Moyes will need several incomings to ensure that the club’s domestic form doesn’t take a knock like it did last season.
Gallagher looked like a brilliant option to include in a deal for Rice, but West Ham will now have to go down a different avenue in their pursuit of the 23-year-old.