Sources: West Ham to reject Declan Rice swap deal

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Published on:

08 May 2023, 10:30 am

West Ham are not interested in taking any player in part exchange for in-demand captain Declan Rice this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Arsenal lead the chase for the Irons star, 24, who is keen to leave the club as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract next month.

Discussions are continuing behind-the-scenes as the Gunners attempt to steal a march on their rivals and strike a summer deal.

Man City, Man United, Newcastle and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in Rice.

There have been suggestions that Arsenal could include a first-team or emerging star in their offer for the England international in order to satisfy West Ham's big asking price.

However, well-placed sources have told Football Insider that West Ham are not interested in a "sensational" swap-plus-cash deal.

The Irons want their £100million asking price to be met in order to sanction an exit for Rice.

David Moyes and his recruitment team are now scouring the transfer market for potential midfielder signings as they prepare for life after their captain - who has been an ever-present for five straight seasons.

Football Insider revealed last week (3 May) that West Ham have extensively scouted Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow ahead of a potential move in the off-season.

A bid of £30million including add-ons could be enough to do a deal for the 26-year-old Switzerland international.

Rice has played 90 minutes in all but one of West Ham's fixtures in the 2022-23 campaign.

The Irons are all but safe from the threat of relegation following their 1-0 win over Man United on Sunday (7 May) - and can focus on their bid to win the Europa Conference League this term.

In other news, Tottenham could block West Ham bid to sign Rice replacement.

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