By Noel Whelan

30th May, 2021 | 11:53am

Whelan claims Rice is 'worth every penny' as West Ham set staggering new reported asking price

Noel Whelan insists the reported £90million price tag on West Ham midfielder Declan Rice represents value for money.

The former Leeds hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims a player like Rice can be the difference between winning or losing titles.

The Telegraph claim West Ham’s asking price is now £90million after Chelsea were quoted £70million last summer.

Rice, 22, had an outstanding 2020/21 Premier League campaign as West Ham qualified for the Europa League.

The England international’s form has led to plenty of transfer speculation over the last few years.

However, Whelan claims the Hammers’ reported new price tag should not stop clubs making a move this summer.

“There aren’t many players out there who are good in his position,” Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.

“It’s an unsung hero position. When you have a player like him in your side you value how big he is. 

“Look at N’Golo Kante, how big was he to Leicester when they won the league? You don’t win competitions without players like that in your side. 

“It’s like Kalvin Phillips at Leeds. There’s a big difference in results when he’s in the side and when he’s not in the side. 

“That can be the difference between winning titles and not winning titles. Staying in the Premier League or getting relegated. 

“He’s well worth the money, he’s still really young. £90million, when you divide that by four it’s good value for money. 

“You get four good years out of him and he’ll bring you titles and cups. When you look at it like that, he’s worth every penny.”

In other news, West Ham have told senior star to find a new club this summer.