'OMG...Outstanding' - Exclusive: McAvennie reacts to West Ham transfer development
Frank McAvennie is adamant that Declan Rice is worth at least as much as Harry Maguire as Chelsea prepare a mammoth bid for the West Ham star.
The Irons and Celtic legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, heaped praise on the 21-year-old for the way in which he ended the season and described his form post-lockdown as "outstanding".
Manchester United signed Maguire in an £80million deal 12 months ago - it remains the highest fee ever paid for a defender.
Football Insider revealed yesterday that Chelsea are looking to extend their summer overhaul by offering a player-exchange deal for Rice worth £70million in total.
The Blues have been given encouragement over a potential deal by both the Hammers and the player himself with departures needed at the London Stadium to fund signings.
When asked by Football Insider if a player-plus-cash deal totalling £70million is a fair offer for Rice, McAvennie said: "If Harry Maguire is worth £80million then Declan is worth that.
"Everybody has got a price and if that price is matched Rice will be going.
"Unfortunately, Declan is West Ham's prised asset at the moment. He came right onto his game at the end of last season.
"I did not think he was fulfilling his potential but in that half a dozen games, oh my God, he was just outstanding. He should be playing that way every game because that is in his locker."
Rice played ever single minute for the Hammers in the Premier League last season and was integral to David Moyes's side avoiding relegation.
He has four years left on his contract at the London Stadium having signed an extension to his deal in December 2018.