Newcastle could enter bidding war for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice – journalist

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Newcastle United are interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, and they could enter a Premier League bidding war to land him.

That’s according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, writing in his column for CaughtOffside.

With the 24-year-old widely expected to leave the Hammers in the summer, extensive speculation has emerged surrounding his next destination.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been heavily touted in recent months, but the reporter suggests a move to the Magpies cannot be ruled out.

“Arsenal’s midfield priority will be Declan Rice and West Ham are resigned to losing him,” Jacobs said.

“David Moyes, as you’d expect, has been quick to argue if Rice leaves it should be for a British-record transfer fee. But suitors are hoping for a fee of £70-80m. This is ultimately because Rice’s contract expires in summer 2024.

“But Chelsea’s big-spending could inflate the market and thus Rice’s price. You can understand why selling clubs, especially for top-tier central midfielders, will point to Enzo Fernandez’s £107m fee and ask for something similar.

“I still think Rice will go for cheaper than that, but how much so will depend on whether West Ham get a bit of a bidding war. Chelsea also really want Rice. Manchester United and Newcastle United can’t be ruled out either, although I understand Rice’s preference is to stay in London. That won’t be a deal-breaker, but Arsenal and Chelsea can certainly use it to their advantage.”

Don’t rule Newcastle out for Rice

Eddie Howe remains very keen to add an established number six to his team.

With Bruno Guimaraes currently holding the position, the Toon manager would love to push him further forward into a number eight role.

Having been linked with various options last summer and in January, it was believed that Howe preferred to sign a player with Premier League experience.

The 24-year-old is thus the perfect addition. He has already made 188 appearances in the division, having become a staple in West Ham’s midfield.

Hailed by BBC pundit Gary Lineker as ‘magnificent’, Rice is rightly in demand, given he is one of the best players in the league outside of the so-called ‘Big Six’.

However, this won’t be an easy transfer to get over the line.

Practically every major club in the Premier League wants to sign the England international.

Therefore, the player will have the pick of the bunch, so Howe will have a lot of convincing to do if he’s going to decide on Newcastle as his next club.