Declan Rice has reportedly decided that he is open to departing London for the north west in a blow to former club Chelsea’s chances of signing the West Ham star. England midfielder Rice has frequently been linked with a move away from the Hammers.
Declan Rice was the subject of Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea transfer interest (Image: GETTY)
West Ham managed to keep Rice but speculation over his future will continue.
And 90min claim that the 22-year-old remains keen to explore his options next summer and is open to a move to the north west as much as staying in London appeals.
That leaves United and City as the frontrunners for his signature. Liverpool could also enter the race if they decide they want to sign a new defensive midfielder.
Rice was released by Chelsea as a 14-year-old and a return to the club has long been mooted.
It was widely reported that he was frustrated by West Ham’s £100m valuation this summer.
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Rice would command a fee of around £100m (Image: EXPRESS SPORT)
The Evening Standard last month reported that he has turned down two offers of a new contract.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha are just two examples of players who have been priced out of transfers after signing big long-term contracts.
Rice seemingly does not want to find himself in a similar position and is comfortable with the three years remaining on his current deal.
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However, West Ham boss David Moyes believes that Rice – who scored during England’s 4-0 win over Hungary on Thursday – is actually worth more than £100m.
The Scot has insisted that his captain would have more of an impact at a top club than some of their biggest signings.
"I don't agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer,” Moyes told reporters last month.
“He’s worth far, far more than £100m. Far, far more.
"I look at the players who have joined some clubs from overseas and come in and nowhere near had the impact Declan Rice would have.
"I certainly wouldn't put a price on it. You can decide which figure you want to put on it but I wouldn't be sanctioning anything like that, that's for sure."