West Ham are determined to keep Declan Rice despite strong interest from top teams.
Europa League semifinalist West Ham are determined to hold on to Declan Rice despite interest from top Premier League teams.
According to report from Dailymail the Hammers have conceded on selling the England international after he rejected to extend his contract.
Manchester City and Manchester United have registered an interest in signing Rice this summer after the 23-year-old England international turned down a third contract offer from the Hammers.
Therefore, West Ham will reportedly look to sell Rice – who has more than two years left on his contract – for at least £150million in 2023 after England’s World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Rice has played an instrumental role in West Ham’s success this season, having helped the Hammers reach the semi-final of the Europa League and push for a top-six Premier League finish.
Therefore, West Ham want to hold onto their star player for as long as possible and have tried to persuade him to sign a new deal with the club. However, Rice has reportedly turned down the latest offer of a new deal and is said to be open to a move this summer.
It’s understood that City have already requested to be kept informed of Rice’s future plans and made it clear they are a viable destination.
United are also keen on Rice but City may be a more attractive option for the 23-year-old considering the Red Devils need ‘open-heart surgery’ to rebuild the club according to their current interim Ralf Rangnick.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville recently shared his opinion on Rice’s situation saying he ‘knows’ the England international will leave West Ham ‘in the next year or two’.
Speaking after West Ham’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea, Neville said: “David Moyes has absolutely done the right thing to prioritise Europe in the week.
“He’s got a far better chance of making the Champions League that way than through the traditional route that is top four. Declan Rice, we know he’s going to leave in the next year or two.
“Because of the relationship, I think they can be really mature about this. I don’t think it has to be played out in the media.
“They can be really direct, honest and then communicate what they’re going to do. I don’t think there’s any reason to allow the speculation to destroy the dressing room spirit.”
Rice started West Ham’s game with Chelsea on the bench as David Moyes looked to rest several players ahead of their crucial Europa League game on Thursday.
Rice came on as a second-half substitute but couldn’t prevent Chelsea from emerging victorious.
