Declan Rice rejects West Ham contract offers amidst Manchester United interest
According to The Telegraph (Subscription Required), Declan Rice has turned down two contract offers from West Ham United amidst interest from Manchester United.
With Jadon Sancho in the bag, United are now in a position to focus their attentions elsewhere. Ole Gunnar Solskajer wants a defensive midfielder, a centre-back and a striker before this summer’s transfer window closes for business. The player being eyed in midfield is none other than Rice. (h/t The Guardian)
The English international, now with the Three Lions squad at the Euros, is amongst the best young midfielders in the league. He played a key role in the Hammers’ sixth-placed finish last season.
According to the report, Rice has now put United on alert after rejecting two contract offers from West Ham. He is also expected to reject any more imminent attempts bu West Ham to extend his stay in London. The player is now willing to wait for either United or Chelsea to make their move for him.
Despite having come through the Chelsea system and being best friends with Mason Mount, United have their own trump cards to get one over the Blues. Rice is close to Harry Maguire and United could sweeten the offer to West Ham by including Jesse Lingard in part exchange.
Manchester City have also shown an interest in Rice. However, having re-signed Fernandinho on a one-year contract, the Premier League champions are unlikely to make a bid this summer.
Pushing for a move?
West Ham value Rice at around £100m The midfielder appears to have set his eyes on a move elsewhere and would want to be informed of any offers the club receive for him. According to the report, he would most likely be disappointed if bids in the region of £60m were turned down.
If anything Rice’s dominant performance in the 2-0 win over Germany at the Euros has only strengthened his reputation as a top-class player. Being surrounded by Champions League and Premier League winners in the England setup, he will be keen to achieve similar success at club level.
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Rice is currently outside the top five earners at West Ham. While the Hammers have offered him a raise, it still pales in comparison to what he can be earning elsewhere. Whether the player will force the club’s hand come the next few weeks remains to be seen.
