Sources: West Ham turn to sealing new signing as they prepare for life after Declan Rice
West Ham are scouring the transfer market for a midfielder signing as they prepare for life after Declan Rice, sources have told Football Insider.
The Irons are aware of growing interest in their 24-year-old captain with Arsenal leading the race for his signature.
Football Insider revealed last week (27 April) that West Ham are demanding £100million for Rice as the summer window approaches.
He will have just 12 months remaining on his contract at the London Stadium next month and it has been widely reported that the midfielder has no intention of renewing his deal.
Newcastle and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Rice, but it is believed that a move to Arsenal is more likely.
Rice is keen to leave West Ham and fulfil his ambitions of playing at the highest level and competing for major honours.
As such, West Ham are beginning to finalise their shortlist of midfield targets with the end of the season rapidly approaching.
The Irons had been threatened with a possible relegation to the Championship earlier this term, but have allayed those fears by moving into 15th place.
David Moyes’ side are four points clear of the drop zone with a game in hand on their relegation rivals.
West Ham could also have Europa League football to help lure high-profile summer targets to the London Stadium.
The Londoners face AZ Alkmaar in a two-legged Europa Conference League semi-final from next week, with the winners of that competition qualifying for Europe’s second-rate trophy next season.
Rice has played every minute of every Premier League game this season.
Flynn Downes and Tomas Soucek are the only other defensive midfielders on the books at the London Stadium.
In other news, West Ham and Leeds United race to sign Ligue 1 star.