Why Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea boosted in Rice transfer hunt

Suraj Radia

• 22 Apr 2022 19:11 BST
• 3 min read

Declan Rice has turned down a third contract offer from West Ham and will consider his options this summer, putting Premier League clubs on red alert.

The 23-year-old’s deal expires in 2024, with the club having an option of a further year, and reportedly rejected the deal worth £200,000 a week.

West Ham are not interested in selling their prized midfielder and manager David Moyes suggested a fee of £150 million would be the minimum asking price for him.

Rice has long been admired by Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea and, despite West Ham not willing to sell, any developments will only fuel speculation towards his departure.

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Rice is reportedly amongst the top targets for Manchester United as they look to enter a new era under incoming manager Erik ten Hag.

However, they would not be willing to pay anywhere near the asking price, despite the desperate need for a defensive midfielder.

Manchester City are also in the market for a player like Rice to replace departing captain Fernandinho and boss Pep Guardiola is said to be a huge fan of the England midfielder.

The club’s priority, however, is to conclude a deal for Erling Haaland and it is believed the costly nature of that deal would prohibit them from entering the race for Rice.

Meanwhile Chelsea have had a longstanding interest in the player who began his career in their academy but the club are unable to make any transfer plans while their ownership is still in doubt.

West Ham believe the situation with Rice is under control, with the club expecting the player to continue handling any speculation in a professional manner.

Moyes was adamant that only a few sides could match the valuation for his star player and insisted Rice was not for sale unless that price was met.

“There is a price and if someone wants to pay the price, then we would probably do it,” Moyes said. “If they don't then he's not going anywhere.”

Rice's decision to turn down a new contract with West Ham may increase the chances of him leaving, but the ball remains in the London side's court for now.