‘Rice is keen…’ – Reliable journo shares update on Declan Rice West Ham future
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is ‘keen’ on a move to Manchester United this summer, but they’re unlikely to spend £100m on him according to MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst.
Rice has been linked with a nine-figure move away from the London Stadium in the summer with United, Chelsea and Man City linked by the Telegraph.
The Hammers hold all the leverage for any deal with two years plus an extra year option remaining on his contract.
Manchester United correspondent Luckhurst has stated his belief on the chances of a deal happening this summer during a Q&A with Manchester Evening News readers.
“I doubt any club would spend £100m on Rice but there would be interested clubs next year if he doesn’t go this year when his resale value would have dwindled,” he said.
“The point on whether United should spend separately on two midfielders is a valid one, but it depends on how good their scouting is. United want Rice and Rice is keen on United, so he’s high up the list already and been of interest to them for three years or so.”
Keen
It’s pretty common knowledge that Rice would be open to a move away from West Ham this summer if the right opportunity presented itself.
Man United have been ‘keen’ on taking Rice to Old Trafford for a while according to reports, but their place in next season’s Champions League is far from guaranteed.
That would make any move there a sideways step at this moment in time and could help to keep him at the club for another season.
With West Ham pushing to make their own claim for a Champions League spot in the coming seasons, they know that Rice is an integral part of that jigsaw and must keep him.
If nobody is going to match the £100m valuation that they have set on him, then he won’t be leaving the London Stadium and that much is as clear as day.
In other West Ham news, PL club to go ‘all out’ for West Ham ace this summer, player ‘paving the way’ for exit – journo