West Ham United will be open to the sale of long-standing Chelsea target Declan Rice only for a ‘crazy’ offer to come their way in this summer’s transfer window, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Rice is said to be a top name on the shopping list for the Blues boss Thomas Tuchel whose repeated attempts to move in for the England international have fallen in vain with West Ham reluctant to part ways with their skipper in waiting.
Speaking to CaughtOffside, transfer guru Romano has sounded an update on Chelsea’s pursuit for Rice with the Italian journalist claiming that West Ham will allow Rice to head out the exit door should they receive a mouth-watering transfer fee.
“Declan Rice has been a Chelsea target for at least two years but as far as I know West Ham continue to have the same position: there is no intention to sell him this summer, even knowing that Rice will not sign a new contract under current conditions.
“West Ham are relaxed and know that only a crazy offer could change that, while Manchester United are only focused on Frenkie de Jong for midfield so far.”
Romano adds that Rice is not subject to interest from the Manchester United camp as of now with the Red Devils shifting their focus towards landing Barcelona midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong before the transfer window slams shut.
This turn of events suggests that Chelsea could be in line to emerge as the clear frontrunners for the 23-year-old England international Rice but would be required to wait for another year to make a concrete approach to secure his signature.
