Newcastle want to speak to 24-year-old captain, they’d love to sign him

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Newcastle United would reportedly love to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United this summer.

The Hammers captain is set to leave the London Stadium ahead of next season, with West Ham chairman David Sullivan stating that Rice has played his last game for the club.

It looks like his last game will be the Europa Conference League final, where Rice lifted silverware for the first time in his career. It is a remarkable achievement, and could prove to be a fitting end to his West Ham career.

The 24-year-old looks set to start a new chapter of his career in the coming months, with Arsenal leading the race to sign the England international.

However, Newcastle are refusing to rule out a possible move to St James’ Park.

Newcastle plan to make move for Declan Rice

According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle officials are keen to speak to Rice and his representatives about joining Eddie Howe’s side ahead of next season.

The report adds that the Toon recruitment team would love to sign Rice this summer, and it is easy to understand why. The Magpies are looking for a defensive midfielder who can play in the number six role. They need to be tactically smart, physically commanding and strong in possession.

Rice ticks all of those boxes, and would be the perfect summer signing for Newcastle.

However, money could be a problem.

Finances could stop Newcastle from getting their man

The Northern Echo add that while Newcastle would like to sign Rice from West Ham, there is an acceptance that it might be difficult financially.

The state that the Londoner wants a wage packet of £250,000-a-week, which is more than what anyone currently earns at St James’ Park.

Obviously it is going to take a huge amount of money to sign Rice, while he is looking earn a huge wage himself. But Newcastle must feel like they have a chance of offering a financial package that suits both club and player, otherwise they would not waste their time trying to sign him.

It still feels unlikely, but it is exciting to hear that the Toon recruitment team are at least looking into the possibility of signing Rice.