Newcastle United join Manchester United in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice race
Premier League rivals Newcastle United have joined Manchester United in the race for West Ham United captain Declan Rice, according to Spanish outlet Relevo (h/t The Sun).
The England international has established himself as one of the best players in the English top flight over the years. Now, the midfielder is being linked with a move away from the Hammers next summer, with the Red Devils and Arsenal eyeing him.
At the moment, the Gunners are leading the pursuit to acquire Rice’s signature. However, the Old Trafford side are also interested in capturing the 24-year-old’s signature.
But Eddie Howe’s team are also keen on Rice. The English national is seen as ‘the missing piece’ in the Tyneside outfit’s engine room. To that end, the Magpies have already held discussions with the midfielder’s camp.
However, West Ham will not let the 24-year-old leave for cheap. His contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024 and the Hammers want around £75 million for the former Chelsea academy star.
Newcastle are flying high at the moment. Howe’s team are in contention to finish in the top four in the current campaign. The Magpies have the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Joelinton in the middle of the park.
As for United, we signed Casemiro last summer. The former Real Madrid star has been a revelation in the Red Devils’ engine room. He has brought stability to the Old Trafford side’s midfield in the number six position.
Apart from the Brazilian, the Manchester-based club have the likes of Christian Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay in their ranks.
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While we could evidently do with some cover for Casemiro, it is seemingly unlikely that a player of Rice’s quality will want to play second fiddle, even for a team like United. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the Old Trafford side will be able to acquire the 24-year-old’s services next summer.
