West Ham United have played turn speculation of Chelsea FC tabling a £50 million bid for Declan Rice. The Blues have expressed a keen interest in securing a move for the player this summer, according to reports.
Chelsea FC boss Frank Lampard wants to sign the 21-year old ahead of next season and play him as a centre-back for the Blues. Rice, despite playing in the holding midfield position in recent years, was a central defender during his days at the Chelsea FC youth academy. Reports suggest that the player himself is open to the idea of moving to Stamford Bridge this summer.
However, the Hammers boss David Moyes has been unwilling to sanction a sale for his stay player. Despite interest from the Blues and Manchester United in signing Rice, Moyes has proven to be persistent on keeping the 21-year old at the London Stadium next season as well.
The West Ham United coach had underlined his intent of not selling Rice this summer to any of the interested parties. Four years still remain on the player’s current deal with the Hammers, having signed a contract extension just last year. And Moyes is confident of Rice honouring his commitment to the Hammers’ supporters by staying put at the club.
“I am confident he will be here because he is under contract, but whatever club you are at, even the biggest clubs sell their best players at the right value,”
It is believed that Moyes sees’ Rice as a future West Ham captain following Mark Noble’s exit. Moreover, the Scottish manager aims to build a first-team squad revolving around the 21-year old’s style of play. However, Moyes did state that any side looking to lure Rice away from the Hammers this summer will have to shell out a hefty fee.
“I think Declan is the future captain of West Ham going forward. When Mark Noble comes to an end I think it will be Declan Rice.
“We have no intention of letting him go but if it does come it will need to be ‘Bank of England’ money.”
