Newcastle United are looking to sign an elite midfielder ahead of next season, but it does not look like it will be Declan Rice.
The England international has been on the Magpies’ radar heading into the summer transfer window, and it was even claimed that Toon officials want to hold talks with Rice about a move to St James’ Park.
However, interest from elsewhere, his wage demands and West Ham’s lofty valuation always meant that a deal for the 24-year-old was unlikely.
Despite this, there was always a slither of outside hope that the Newcastle owners could pull off the impossible and bring the ‘top class‘ player to Tyneside. They have surprised us before – just remember the Alexander Isak deal last summer.
Alas, recent developments from down south appear to mean that Rice definitely won’t be a Newcastle United player next season.
Declan Rice to Newcastle not on the cards
According to the Northern Echo, a move for Rice is now off the table for Newcastle – because of the finances involved.
They state he is no longer an option for the Magpies after Arsenal formalised their interest in the West Ham skipper and made a £90million offer.
The Gunners proposed a deal worth £75million up front and £15million of add-ons, but it is still not enough for the Hammers to sell. Obviously they want more money up front, which is understandable.
But at £90million, Newcastle simply do not have the finances to pull a deal off. While Arsenal might have that money available, it is simply too much for Eddie Howe’s side.
That is why the club are looking elsewhere – most notably towards Italy. Nicolo Barella has been targeted, and now Sandro Tonali appears to be the favourite to become Newcastle’s major midfield addition.
He is a much cheaper alternative to Rice, and it will be interesting to see how he compares to the Londoner if he does make the move from AC Milan to Newcastle.
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