Manchester United have launched an opening bid of around £34.4 million for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, Calcio Mercato journalist Nicolo Schira.
The Hammers’ academy graduate has impressed this season to became a regular in Manuel Pellegrini’s team, and earned his first England caps during the recent international break, and it is understood that the Red Devils have put in an initial bid.
The reliable reporter, via his personal Twitter account, claims that contact is ongoing between the two Premier League sides regarding Rice.
The Mirror suggests that the Irons will turn their noses up at a fee that small, however, although United will hope that they can tempt the 20-year-old with the prospect of trebling his £30,000-a-week wages.
#ManchesterUnited are really interested in signing Declan #Rice from #WesHam for the next season. First contacts ongoing between #RedDevils and Hammers. #ManUtd's first bid is €40M. #transfers #MUFC #mutd
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) March 29, 2019
OPINION
This would be a disaster for West Ham to let Rice go for such a small fee, but thankfully the Hammers are in a strong enough position whereby they don’t have to blindly accept the first bid made for their hottest prospect. It’s a bit mad that we’re talking about an opening bid of nearly £35 million as being a paltry fee, but the market is so inflated – and Rice is so good – that it only seems fair that the Irons demand a bit more. There will be widespread interest for Rice this summer, and understandably so, but you wouldn’t be surprised if he stayed with his boyhood club for another year while he continued to learn his trade. Hammers fans will be hoping that is the case at least, and if he continues to rise at the trajectory he is currently, who knows how much he will be worth in 12 months time.
