West Ham ‘need’ to accept £100m Declan Rice bid after ESPN update – pundit
Kevin Campbell has claimed West Ham cannot afford to turn down £100million for Manchester United target Declan Rice.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the “all action” midfielder will not sign a new deal at the London Stadium.
ESPN reported on Monday (September 6th) that Manchester United are targeting the West Ham vice-captain ahead of next summer’s window.
The report claims the Hammers have set an asking price of £80million-plus on the England international.
Rice’s contract with the East London side expires in 2024.
The 22-year-old was integral for club and country last season, with England reaching the final of EURO 2020 and West Ham qualifying for the Europa League group stage.
However, Campbell believes the Hammers will be forced to sell the Chelsea academy product.
“Put it this way – Declan Rice isn’t going to sign another contract,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Get to next summer, 2022, and he’ll have two years left on his contract.
“They need to get as close to £100million as possible, or else it’ll get to 18 months, 12 months – and he’ll just run the contract down.
“He’s too good a player, an England international, for West Ham not to play him.
“They can’t turn down that kind of money.
“He’s got a really good personality, and he plays with that aggression and toughness in the midfield.
“He’s all action, and that’s what (Manchester) United are missing.”
Rice has played 148 times for West Ham and scored five goals.
The combative midfielder started every game during England’s European Championship campaign in the summer.
In other news, this Hammers summer signing will hit the ground running at West Ham, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.