Manchester United and Chelsea have been warned it would take MORE than £200million to prise Declan Rice away from West Ham United in the January transfer window.
The 22-year-old is developing into one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League, continually evolving his game to turn doubters into believers.
With Mark Noble playing a reduced role in his final season, it is Rice who has stepped up to assume the captaincy on the pitch and is doing so with distinction.
As well as leading the Hammers into Europe in 2021, Rice is the central hub of a team which sits just one point off an automatic Champions League place, is in the knockout stages of the Europa League and in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Naturally, the former Chelsea academy starlet has drawn admiring glances with his performances, with the Blues reportedly interested in an emotional homecoming and Manchester United also keen.
He said: “News coming out of West Ham United this morning is that ‘there isn’t a figure on this earth that West Ham would agree to to sell Declan Rice in this window.’
“There is interest, there is always interest, there are no bids. Let me just tell you this morning, it was made clear to me they wouldn’t sell Declan Rice in this window.
“Not for £120m, not for £150m. It’s my understanding, Simon [Jordan], I’m being serious, it would need to start with a two.
“You’re talking north of £200m, and the feeling from within West Ham United at this stage in the proceedings, is that it’s so ridiculous it is not going to happen.”
Although it is vitally important for the Hammers to retain their key players, strengthening the squad to maintain their incredible resurgence is also a top priority.
Injuries in November and December threatened to halt their impressive start to the season, with the squad stretched thin up front and at the back.
The Mail on Sunday claim Lille striker Jonathan David is a target, although Real Madrid and Arsenal are also reportedly keen on the Canada international.
