Expert can’t believe West Ham could land £150m Declan Rice windfall amid ‘massive’ agreement
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham will not receive their £150million valuation for Declan Rice if they open the door to selling him in the summer of 2023.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it is a “massive plus” for the Hammers to keep the 23-year-old at the club for another season.
According to talkSPORT‘s Alex Crook (11 July), West Ham and Rice have a “gentleman’s agreement” which will see the midfielder remain at the London Stadium for the 2022-23 season.
Irons boss David Moyes has been vocal about the England star’s valuation – insisting it will take a bid of no less than £150million to part with their prize asset.
However, Whelan suggested West Ham could price Rice out of a move if they indeed hold out for that figure.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Look, £150million is a real push.
“I’m not sure there are too many players worth that much these days, especially when you look at what Haaland and Kalvin Phillips came in for.
“You need to be serious. The money right now is not what it was four or five years ago – with the Coutinho to Barcelona deal.
“I think if Rice were to go, you’re looking at the £90-100million mark. If they didn’t accept that, I think you could say West Ham are trying to price him out of a move.
“It’s a massive plus for the club and David Moyes to know that he’ll be sticking around for another season and to have that quality in the midfield.
“He’s just getting better and better, and it’s just best for him to concentrate on the job in hand right now rather than a potential move next summer.”
In other news, pundit tells West Ham to sign Pablo Fornals replacement after £10million+ deal agreed.