Man Utd & Liverpool post interest in West Ham ace Declan Rice – Ian McGarry
Liverpool and Manchester United have made contact with Declan Rice’s agent regarding a possible move away from West Ham in the summer, according to transfer expert Ian McGarry.
Rice has skippered the Hammers for much of the 2020/21 league campaign. They’re currently in fifth place under his leadership, which has got the attention of the clubs around us.
McGarry reports the two northern clubs have been in touch with Rice’s agent and want to be kept aware of any offers made for him.
Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast with Times journalist Duncan Castles, McGarry said: “He is no longer on the transfer list of recruitment possibilities for the Stamford Bridge club, but has certainly roused the interest of Liverpool and Manchester United.
“Both of whom have expressed interest to Rice’s agent as we understand and they have asked to be kept informed of any offers made for the England international.”
Here we go again
I suppose it was inevitable that a Rice departure story would pop up again.
He’s now a fully established England international, a nailed-on starter for Gareth Southgate at the Euros. He’s also set to be the man who takes over as club captain when Mark Noble hangs up his boots.
Rice has been at the centre of everything good to come of this season. He’s stepped up in the absence of Noble and is a real leader in the side. He’s even taking over penalty duties, tucking away expertly against Sheffield United.
The 22-year-old has been an everpresent in the league this year, playing 2320 minutes [WyScout]. He’s joint second for most minutes of an outfield player in the Premier League. You couldn’t put a price on his value to West Ham, and we’d never be able to replace him.
It seemed for so long that he would move back to Chelsea, the club who let him go before turning pro. But with Frank Lampard’s departure, that ship has sailed. It feels like times are changing at West Ham. Rice can be the man to lead us to new heights.
Whatever he wants we simply need to give to him. We have to build on what Moyes has started, and can ill-afford to be a selling club moving forward.
In other West Ham news, here’s a look at our next five matches.