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Pundit can't believe Declan Rice news from West Ham amid fresh £70m transfer claim
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham could be forced to accept as little as £80million for Declan Rice – £70million less than David Moyes’ lofty valuation.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested there is no chance of the 23-year-old signing a new Irons contract with his mind made up on playing for a top club.
As quoted by the Daily Mail (26 December), Moyes claimed West Ham will put up a “big fight” to keep Rice at the club beyond this summer, insisting they won’t “roll over” in negotiations.
The under-pressure Irons boss previously valued the midfielder at over £150million in an attempt to stave off interest from the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Man United, and Chelsea.
Rice is currently out of contract in June 2024 and it is understood that he has rejected multiple mega-money offers from the Irons to renew.
The England star has made no secret of his desire to play in the Champions League – something he is unlikely to achieve at the London Stadium, with West Ham just a point above the Premier League drop zone at present.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I can’t see any resolution in terms of him staying at West Ham.
“I think he’s dropped enough hints about wanting to go to a top-four club and fight for the Premier League title.
“He’s made that plainly clear.
“Whether he’s still going to command that £150million tag, I don’t know.
“With the situation with his contract – I think about £80million would be enough to get West Ham to part with him.
“They can strengthen their squad with that. I can’t see him going anywhere for any less than £80million, quite frankly.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Moyes edges closer to West Ham sack with board ready to act.