Newcastle United are in the market for a new centre midfielder in 2023, and Declan Rice could be exactly what they are looking for.
The West Ham skipper has been relentlessly linked with a move away from the Hammers in recent years, and now comments from Rice suggest that a transfer could be on the horizon.
Rice is currently on international duty with England, looking to bring football home and win the World Cup.
Domestically, things aren’t going great for the 23-year-old. After a couple of great seasons, West Ham are finding it much tougher this time round. David Moyes’ side are 16th in the league after 15 games, and sit just one point above the relegation zone.
In contrast, Newcastle have more than double West Ham’s points tally, and are third with 30 points.
Eddie Howe’s side are challenging for a place in next season’s Champions League, and that is exactly where Rice wants to be in the future.
Declan Rice opens the door to leave West Ham
The England midfielder has been speaking to the media out in Qatar, and has admitted that he wants to be playing in the Champions League.
“One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League,” Rice said.
“For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that.
“I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.
“You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”
Champions League qualification would give Newcastle a chance
So could Newcastle be an option for Rice next summer? The Guardian believe so, but only if the Magpies finish in the top four.
If they are in next season’s Champions League, they could be able to tempt Rice to St James’ Park. And if they could do that, they may have the perfect midfield partner for Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian is a star at Newcastle, currently shining in the ‘number six’ role. However, we have also seen him excel as an ‘eight’. That’s where Bruno played last season, allowing him to get forward more and be a threat in the final third.
That is where Howe wants to see Bruno, but may need a new ‘number six’ to do that. And that’s where Rice would play.
The West Ham academy graduate is a top class midfielder. He is a commanding presence in the middle of the park – someone who can dominate games with his size and power.
With Rice at 23 and Bruno at 25, they could be the foundation of Newcastle’s midfield for years to come. That is a Champions League calibre midfield duo, but it will only be possible if the Magpies can finish in the top four.
If they do that, they will be able to attract an even greater calibre of player. That includes Rice, who would be perfect in a Newcastle shirt next to Bruno.