Newcastle United are interested in signing Declan Rice this summer, but will have to break their transfer record to land the West Ham captain.
Rice has emerged as a target for Newcastle in recent weeks, with the Magpies preparing to splash the cash if they qualify for the Champions League.
That currently looks very likely, and could lead to Eddie Howe receiving a transfer budget of up to £150million.
It is a huge amount of money, but it turns out he will have to use the majority of it if he wants to add Rice to his squad.
How much West Ham want for Declan Rice this summer
According to ESPN, West Ham are going to demand a fee of £100million to sell Rice this summer. They reportedly hope that it will put off any interested suitors, despite the 24-year-old rejecting a new contract from the Hammers and telling them he wants to compete for trophies at the highest level.
He is not going to get that at the London Stadium, as West Ham are still at risk of being relegated. However, silverware could be on the horizon with David Moyes’ side set to compete in the semi finals of the Europa Conference League.
A transfer fee of £100million would make him the joint most expensive Englishman ever, alongside Jack Grealish who joined Manchester City for that amount in 2021.
It is an astonishing figure, and one that would also make him Newcastle’s new record signing.
That should end Newcastle’s interest
West Ham hope that their asking price will put clubs off, and it should be enough to force Newcastle to look elsewhere.
While he would be an exceptional signing that could take our midfield to the next level, there has always been an acceptance that a move to St James’ Park is unlikely.
It has been claimed that Newcastle do not expect to sign the England international, while his wages would prove to be an issue.
Newcastle are expected to splash the cash this summer, but £100million could be put to much better use by Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe.
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