Newcastle transfer news: Magpies could try to sign Declan Rice in 2023

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Newcastle United could reportedly sign Declan Rice from West Ham next year.

That is according to the Guardian, who believe that the Magpies could join the race to sign the 23-year-old midfielder. However, there is a catch.

The report states that Eddie Howe’s could make a move for Rice, but only if they qualify for the Champions League.

That is currently a possibility, with Newcastle sitting in third after 15 games. It has been a remarkable start to the season for the Magpies, losing just one game so far. And even that came with controversy.

Howe’s side are really turning heads this season, and look like genuine contenders to qualify for Europe.

And if they can finish in the top four and confirm a place in Europe’s biggest competition, the Guardian believe that Rice could be a target.

Rice would be an amazing signing for Newcastle, but deal would be tough

First things first, what a signing that would be. Rice would be a huge statement of intent, taking an England international away from a Premier League rival.

However, there will be plenty of interest in Rice. The Guardian state that Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are ‘heavily interested’ in him heading into 2023. Interestingly, Newcastle are above two of those clubs.

They add that Rice will be allowed to leave West Ham, although a price tag of £100million could force him to stay put.

Rice has spoke about his desire to play in the Champions League very soon, and that certainly isn’t going to happen with the Hammers. They are currently 16th in the Premier League table, and appear to be set for a relegation battle.

That is a stark contrast to Newcastle, who are only looking up right now.

Since the change of ownership, the club is constantly heading in the right direction. Standards have been raised, and the club is being setup for sustained success.

Signings are arriving for the present and the future. Bruno Guimaraes is 25, Sven Botman is 22 and Alexander Isak is 23.

Rice is also 23, and could become another part of Newcastle’s ever-strengthening spine. He could be the subject of interest from Dan Ashworth next summer, but only if we finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.

Over to you Eddie Howe…