West Ham tipped to complete ‘£130m’ Declan Rice sale after source’s Liverpool update – Mills
Danny Mills has backed West Ham to come away with a “ridiculous” transfer windfall if they sell Declan Rice this summer.
The former England defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 23-year-old could end up going under the hammer for between £130-150million in the main window.
A recruitment source told Football Insider on Friday (25 March) that Man City, Man United and Chelsea are all interested in luring Rice from West Ham this summer but Liverpool won’t be able to afford.
The Daily Mail reported on Wednesday (23 March) that the Hammers have set a £150million asking price for the midfielder.
Rice is out of contract in June 2024.
Mills insisted West Ham are correct to hold out for a “ludicrous” transfer fee.
He highlighted the difficulty of replacing a pivotal player like Rice.
“If they hold out for that £150million price tag, they’ll get around that,” he told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“It’s just a number. If teams can afford £130million, they can afford £150million.
“You’ve got to consider how much he’s worth to West Ham and how much it would cost to replace him.
“He’s worth whatever someone else is willing to pay. If you start the negotiations at ludicrous, you end up at ridiculous.
“If you start at a normal price, say £80million, it comes down to a bargain.
“Why would West Ham not ask for that much? That’s the starting point, and it may well come down to around £130million.”
Football Insider revealed on Thursday (24 March) that David Moyes is planning to keep Rice for next season.
The Irons manager wants to build around the 23-year-old rather than replace him.
In other news, expert claims fringe star is in line for new West Ham deal after “saving” their season.