Sources: Newcastle United plot Declan Rice hijack after terms agreed

Newcastle United are considering a sensational bid for Declan Rice as they look to hijack Arsenal’s deal, sources have told Football Insider.

The north-east giants are interested in the West Ham star in what would be a stunning swoop.

Arsenal are still leading the race to sign the England international and Football Insider revealed earlier on Thursday that the Gunners could now be days away from a club-record signing after reaching a verbal agreement over terms.

Following the Hammers’ Europa Conference League triumph on Wednesday (7 June), owner David Sullivan admitted that the 24-year-old is likely to depart the London club after being “promised” he could leave this summer.

Whilst Eddie Howe’s side are interested in a deal, the Gunners have been laying the groundwork for months and a package worth close to £100million is now edging closer.

The Hammers are holding out for a fee of £100m with Arsenal keen to try and secure a deal for Rice at around £80-£85m.

This site has learned that the likelihood is that a deal worth £92million could be enough to secure a full agreement.

Even with the price tag below the £100m mark, it could put off a Newcastle side who have already spent big in previous windows since the Saudi Public Investment Fund took over.