By Sean Fisher

27th Nov, 2022 | 1:04pm

Bayern Munich interest in Declan Rice can save West Ham United a lot of pain and suffering

West Ham could save themselves a lot of pain and suffering if they listen to Bayern Munich’s latest interest in Declan Rice.

Spanish newspaper El Nacional reports that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are the latest European powerhouse to show interest in signing Declan Rice.

Real Madrid are also mentioned in the report, which suggests clubs are aware of West Ham’s £100million+ asking price.

Rice has grown to become the face of West Ham United, but many fans have resigned to the fact that the Hammers will eventually lose him in the transfer market.

London rivals Chelsea have been long-term admirers of the 23-year-old and still see him as a top priority under new owner Todd Boehly. [90Min]

But for Hammers fans, losing Rice is a huge blow – losing him to a rival is just rubbing salt in the wounds. Having to watch Rice thrive in the blue of Chelsea would be a sickening sight for West Ham fans.

So interest from abroad gives the club a chance to avoid the suffering that would come attached to a Chelsea sale. Seeing Rice in a Real Madrid or Bayern Munich shirt would hurt a lot less for the entirety of West Ham, so if either club are willing to pay up then the club should jump at the offer.

Of course, it also depends on whether Rice is willing to snub Chelsea too, but not many players can refuse to pull of European giants such as Real or Bayern.

The El Nacional report insists that Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is a huge fan of the England midfielder, with the Italian urging president Florentino Perez to “do whatever is necessary to secure his signature”.

If Madrid- or Bayern – are willing to go head-to-head with Chelsea in a bidding war, the club will not only see the fee for Rice rise, but it also gives them chance to fulfil the player’s wishes without seeing him leave for a Premier League rival.