Newcastle transfer news: How the Magpies feel about signing Declan Rice

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Declan Rice is a dream signing for a lot of Newcastle United fans, and there is an outside chance that it could become a reality.

That is because Newcastle have been linked with signing Rice, whose West Ham future is up in the air heading into the summer transfer window.

It was reported late last year that the Magpies could try to sign the Hammers skipper if they qualify for the Champions League, while Toon hearts began to race when Rice was seen chatting with Graeme Jones and Jason Tindall at St James’ Park back in February.

Now a new report from the Telegraph has provided fresh details on Newcastle’s interest in the 24-year-old – and it is good news and bad news.

Newcastle have discussed possibly signing Declan Rice from West Ham

According to the Telegraph, Rice is a player who Newcastle officials have discussed, as they look to make as many as four ‘elite’ signings.

Rice would certainly fall into that category, and is a player who has been described as ‘world class‘. Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier is certainly a fan, and believes that his England teammate is ‘unbelievable‘.

He is an exceptional defensive midfielder, and someone who could really take Eddie Howe’s side to the next level. However, there is an acceptance at St James’ Park that a deal might not be possible.

The Telegraph add that club sources have played down the possibility of Rice signing for Newcastle this summer.

It would be a real surprise to see him hold up a black and white shirt ahead of next season. He has plenty of suitors, as talk of a move away from West Ham intensifies.

The likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been heavily linked, with ex-Toon striker Andy Carroll hoping he joins the former. Whoever does get Rice will be paying a huge amount of money, with a recent report claiming he will cost at least £70million.

That would make him Newcastle’s record signing, and he is a player who is on Dan Ashworth’s radar. However, a move to Tyneside still appears to be a longshot.