West Ham demand ‘British record £150MILLION for Declan Rice’ as Man Utd circle for England midfielder
WEST HAM are allegedly demanding £150million for star Declan Rice.
The England international midfielder is yet to agree a new contract.
Now the Daily Mail states that “privately” they do “accept they will have to cash in” this summer.
But the Hammers are determined not to sell the 23-year-old for anything less than a mega £150m – which is £50m more than Manchester City’s British record signing Jack Grealish.
With Paul Pogba looking certain to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires in June, Manchester United are leading the chase for Rice.
Chelsea have also held a long-term interest, but they are currently unable to buy players due to the Government sanctioning of owner Roman Abramovich.
READ MORE FOOTBALL
This latest report states that “Rice is known to be interested in a move to United” but it is unclear whether the Red Devils could stretch to splashing out the huge fee West Ham reportedly want.
However, due to the problems at Chelsea, it will make it tougher for the East London club if United are the only bidder to stand firm with their demands.
Rice has just two years remaining on his contract, but West Ham do have an option to extend it by 12 months.
Discussions between the player and officials have “not officially broken down” but boss David Moyes seems resigned to losing his star man.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Moyes revealed earlier in the season that interest clubs had missed out on a cut-price swoop for Rice last summer.
He said: “There was a bargain to be got with Declan at £100m. That bargain is now gone.”
Rice is currently on England duty as they prepare to face Switzerland and Ivory Coast in friendly matches.