One of football’s worst-kept secrets is Chelsea’s interest in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, with the west London club in hot pursuit of the England man for some time.
The 21-year-old is the Hammers’ most valuable player on Transfermarkt by a distance and has quickly become a pivotal part of David Moyes’ side despite his fledgling years.
Playing in every single minute of the Premier League this season for Moyes and captaining the Irons throughout, the youngster has become indispensable. However, reliable club insider EXWHUemployee has suggested on Twitter that the club could sell the midfielder if the price is right.
Twitter: The key thing I would say is whether Chelsea meet our transfer price https://t.co/WtdILgI3Jc (@ExWHUemployee)
Whilst the reported transfer demand of £80m is a staggering sum of money for any football player and would far and away surpass any fee received by the Hammers, having a price tag on a player instantly makes him accessible, especially to a high-spending oligarch-run club like Chelsea.
Here’s a flavour of the reaction from Irons fans to the update from ExWHUemployee:
Twitter: @ExWHUemployee Maquire was £80m if you think Rice is similar or less than that then football is not for you! 21 est… https://t.co/GewBLnNoEl (@To_ny_1966)
Twitter: @ExWHUemployee That’s disappointing if true Ex, it should be shutters up and no sale surely? (@David_Moyesio)
Twitter: @ExWHUemployee The way he is playing this season, the fact he is 21 and an England International with over 100 prem… https://t.co/B80gpeHLHb (@AndyWHU1987)
Twitter: @ExWHUemployee Why do we keep bringing this up. Stop talking about him leaving and start talking about why he staying
(@Ossie66)
Twitter: @ExWHUemployee I would say the chances have to be zero, surely! (@ricklovell6)
Twitter: @ExWHUemployee £250mil us add ons and we will think about it, sound fair? (@bedfordhammer)
