Rio Ferdinand has revealed that 'football legends' are in awe of Chelsea target Declan Rice following England's World Cup campaign. The 23-year-old midfielder impressed for the Gareth Southgate's side in Qatar before France knocked the Three Lions out of the tournament in the quarter-final.
Rice, who was released from the Blues academy at the age of 14, started in each of England's fixtures on the World stage and anchored his nation's midfield to great effect. The West Ham star's impressive displays were a continuation of the performances under David Moyes ahead of the World Cup which courted the interest of Europe's biggest sides.
Despite England suffering an early exit, Ferdinand claimed Rice has earned the respect of 'football legends' after showcasing his ability at the highest level. And, having heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time now, a move could now be even harder to complete.
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Speaking to his YouTube channel after Three Lions' defeat to France, the former Manchester United defender said: "I have to shout out Declan Rice. He’s been quietly one of our most consistent and best performers.
"When you talk to a lot of the foreign players, the legends, obviously we are hanging out with a lot of legends of the game during the World Cup and speaking to a lot of the guys.
"When you ask them about the English guys, you get the obvious ones for Jude Bellingham but most of them come back with Declan Rice as well. So in terms of respect around Europe and the world, he is certainly a player who has enhanced his reputation. I left him a message, a text this morning about it.
"When you go into a tournament as a player you want a minimum of two things. Firstly you want to win the tournament and secondly you want to leave the tournament with your reputation enhanced."
Rice topped Chelsea's transfer shortlist last year alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, according to The Athletic. The report stated that a move for the midfielder collapsed because the Hammers' £100million valuation was considered too 'steep' by the west Londoners.
In February, football.london understood that as far as West Ham were concerned, nothing had changed and Rice was not for sale at any price. It was believed that the club had no interest in letting their key man leave the club at any cost.
Rice sees his current deal at the London Stadium expire in the summer of 2024. But, West Ham are said to have the option to extend that by a further 12 months if they wish. According to Fabrizio Romano, as per CaughtOffside, the England international has had a €150million (£130.7m) asking price in the past but after impressing at the World Cup, the aforementioned fee could rocket.
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