West Ham manager David Moyes has stressed that midfielder Declan Rice is worth ”far more” than £100m after recent speculation suggested the Hammers would demand a nine-figure fee for the 22-year-old.
As reported by The Telegraph, Moyes has gone on record to say the influential midfielder, who has been an ever-present presence this season, is valued higher than some other big-money deals for players who ”could not lace his boots.”
He said: said: ”I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer. Far, far more than £100m. I look at the players who have joined some clubs from overseas and come in and had nowhere near the impact Declan Rice would have. Also English, just had Brexit, so I wouldn’t agree with the owners if Declan Rice was only £100m. No, I wouldn’t.”
Reacting to recent claims that the owners value Rice at £100m, the Scotsman was dismissive and insisted he ‘wouldn’t put a price’ on his star man and is certainly ‘not in a hurry’ to lose the England man.
Rice has been superb for the Irons this season and has lead from the front as West Ham make a serious push for top European competition next season.
OPINION
There are no two ways about it, Rice’s importance to this West Ham side goes way beyond a £100m valuation.
Not only an important leader but his impact on performances is also growing all the time and still aged just 22, the ceiling for the London-born ace is phenomenally high.
Whilst even the most ardent of Iron would admit interest in Rice could one day see the club sell, that certainly should not be the case as long as West Ham can match his ambitions – perhaps by qualifying for the Champions League.
