Frontrunners to sign Declan Rice named with star to make ‘painstaking decision’
Declan Rice will reportedly deliver West Ham the cruelest of transfer blows amid claims he is finally ‘prepared to leave’ amid significant interest in the summer of 2022.
Rice has been the subject of interest from Manchester United for a long time. The Hammers, though, understandably have no interest in selling their prized asset.
What’s more, Hammers manager David Moyes has valued Rice over £100million. And that asking price would represent a huge challenge to a plethora of his suitors
However, a report from 90min states Rice is now ‘prepared to leave’. The report also states that Manchester City are the frontrunners to sign the England midfielder.
What’s more, Rice is reportedly prepared to leave even if West Ham seal a top-four finish and a place in the Champions League.
Furthermore, their British-record equalling transfer demands would unlikely prove a problem for City. Indeed, the side spent that on Jack Grealish over the summer and were seemingly also willing to spend a similar fee for Harry Kane.
West Ham reportedly ‘will not stand in Rice’s way’ if a bid of £120million is made for him. Indeed, a move to City would be a major step up in Rice’s career.
Despite West Ham’s stellar form this season, City are one of the biggest clubs in the world. What’s more, Grealish was prized away from his boyhood club with the lure of Champions League football, as well as a shot as winning the Premier League. A pull as attractive as that may be a tough one for Rice to pass up.
It remains to be seen whether City will indeed make an offer for Rice. The performance of Rodri against Everton shows they do not really need to strengthen in defensive midfield. However, they may flex their financial muscles and once again show they can sign pretty much anybody in the world.
Chelsea are also reported to be interested in Rice. What’s more, the Londoners are another club that could quite easily spend £100million plus on a defensive midfielder. As such, West Ham may not be able to hold on to Rice for much longer.
Hammers keen on striker signing
West Ham currently have just one recognised striker in the squad, Michail Antonio. If the Jamaica international sustains an injury, the side could suffer.
As such, the Hammers are interested in a back-up striker, to prevent that problem from occurring.
Divock Origi is one player on the shortlist. Indeed, the Belgian scored against West Ham in the Hammers 3-2 victory against Liverpool earlier in the month.
What’s more, one goal in just 16 minutes of Premier League action this season highlights Origi’s ability to perform when called upon.
Indeed, that is a useful trait if he were to be used as a back-up striker, not regularly being afforded opportunities.
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