Transfer insider claims Declan Rice reps have sounded out clubs amid West Ham exit talk
Representatives of Declan Rice are sounding out clubs to ascertain potential suitors for the West Ham midfielder, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Rice, 22, was an integral member of the West Ham side that finished sixth in last season’s Premier League to help the Irons clinch Europa League qualification.
Speaking on Oddschanger’s ‘TouchlineTalk’ show, Eurosport journalist Jones has rated Rice’s chances of leaving the London Stadium this summer.
“There is a small chance,” he said. “I’m not 100% convinced Rice is going to leave this summer.
“I think he’s got his eyes open to what could happen. The people that are working for him are definitely sounding out clubs to see who is genuinely interested. I think Chelsea want to be kept in the loop.
“But it’s going to cost a lot of money.
Untouchable asset
It is utterly unthinkable that the West Ham board would sanction the sale of Rice this summer.
On the back of a crest of positivity following a sensational season for the club, letting Rice leave, especially to a London rival like Chelsea, would instantly kill off the achievements of of 2020/21.
Rice is the absolute heartbeat and driving force of this Irons side under David Moyes, and he will assume complete control over the captain’s armband once Mark Noble departs in 2022.
With that and a European campaign to look forward to next season, why would Rice jump ship now?
He’s still so young and he has much more to achieve with us.
There may come a time where his ambitions outgrow ours but we have not reached that point in time yet.
He became a mainstay in the England midfield due to his displays in claret and blue so there is surely no burning desire to leave.
Agents will talk and do agent things, but we’re pretty sure Rice will remain where he is.
In other West Ham news, Irons have reportedly approached a Premier League rival for a midfielder who scored at the London Stadium in 2020.
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