Declan Rice open to ‘Extraordinary’ West Ham exit this summer
England midfielder Declan Rice is extremely open to the idea of leaving West Ham this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Speaking on LiveScore’s ‘Talking Transfers’ YouTube show [21/06/21], the Eurosport journalist opened up on the information he has heard regarding the 22-year-old’s motivations heading into next season.
“I thought Declan Rice would stay at West Ham for next season, that with Europa League football that would be enough for him,” he said.
“But apparently it’s not. I’ve spoken to someone who says that Rice is very, very open to leaving West Ham in this transfer window, and open to see what offers land on the table.
“Rice is going to cost an extraordinary amount of money, for what he is. I mean, you’re getting a very talented, reasonably young player, also British, so that all comes into the equation here and why you’re going to pay a premium.
“West Ham were looking for £70million last year and that’s not gone down, so it’s going to take at least that.
“On top of that, I’m told that he’s going to be looking for up to £200,000-a-week wages, which is a lot, and there’s going to be a big signing on fee involved as well, so this is a massive deal to get Declan Rice, but the fact that his eyes are open to it is interesting.”
Surely not
We’re gearing up to silly season now, so perhaps we should come to expect these sorts of reports.
The fact that Rice is currently away on international duty with a host of stars at these so-called elite European giants, means these rumours are only likely to be exacerbated.
Chelsea’s interest in their former youth product has been well documented, while Rice would surely fit into any other side in the Premier League.
There’s no shying away from the fact that his future is likely to end up elsewhere in the next few years, unless GSB really can push us on to great heights.
In reality, however, it seems rather far-fetched that we will be able to match Rice’s ambitions in the coming years.
As a seasoned England international now, playing at a major tournament, he will be eyeing the big prizes soon enough, and that means winning trophies.
The only sticking point with Jones’ recent claim, though, is that it’s come as we prepare for a season in Europe. Surely that will tempt him for at least one more season at the London Stadium?
Fingers crossed.
In other West Ham news, a £17.1million bid could be enough to prise this Euro 2020 star away from his club.
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