Declan Rice has turned down a third offer of a new contract from West Ham and is open to a summer transfer. The terms would have made him the best-paid player in the club’s history at about £200,000 a week.
The midfielder has no intention of extending his stay at this stage but understands the club do not want to sell and he will not allow his commitment or professionalism to drop.
A number of clubs including Manchester United are interested in Rice but West Ham’s manager, David Moyes, said this month that “£150 million just now would be the minimum, but he is not for sale. What I do know is that it means there are only certain clubs that could even consider it.”
United would not pay that for the 23-year-old, even though he is their No 1 target in that position. Chelsea have a longstanding interest but their transfer policy will be shaped by the new owners and although Manchester City want a midfielder it will be difficult for them to consider Rice if they land Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in another costly deal.
It is understood that West Ham will reject any offers for Rice this summer, even if he does not renew. However there is a feeling that he will be allowed the following summer if a suitable bid is made.
Rice has been at West Ham since 2014, after leaving Chelsea’s academy, and with his contract running to 2024 and the club having an option to extend for a further year the owners do not feel under pressure to sell.
