Manchester United to look for cheaper alternative to West Ham midfielder Declan Rice – report
Manchester United will look for a cheaper alternative to West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer, after deciding his valuation is too high according to ESPN.
Rice has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium this summer [Telegraph], with the Hammers valuing their midfield star at over £100m.
But according to ESPN sources, the Reds have decided that a valuation north of £80m is too high and they will instead look for cheaper alternatives which is brilliant news for West Ham.
Rice will have two years remaining on his contract at the end of the season, with the club also having an option to extend that by a further year.
But they are interested in tying him down to new, improved terms for a longer period of time although Rice is said to be keen to playing Champions League football as soon as possible.
Leverage
The power of leverage and contracts is seemingly prevailing in east London when it comes to the war of having Rice represent the club.
The 23-year-old midfielder loves West Ham, and the club loves him, but he has admitted that he wants to win it all during his career and it’s common sense that that is unlikely with the Hammers.
But while he’s under contract, the club should be confident that he will give his all to the club and not cause any problems within the dressing room.
David Moyes knows what Rice wants but he has to put the club at the top of his priority list. If that means selling him for £100m then everyone will be happy, but if it means holding on to him then so be it.
This summer is due to be a long one for Hammers fans as this saga drags on, but maybe we could see an end if interested parties sign other players instead.
In other West Ham news, ‘They’ll finish…’ – Rio Ferdinand makes West Ham top four prediction after more dropped points