West Ham United chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Declan Rice will be allowed to leave the club this summer amid interest from Newcastle United.
Rice helped the Hammers win the Europa Conference League on Wednesday night, with David Moyes’ side beating Fiorentina 2-1 to win their first trophy since 1980.
It was an incredible night for West Ham, as Rice lifted the first trophy of his career. After the game, the midfielder admitted that he does have interest from elsewhere, which could mean the final is his last ever game for the Irons.
That is the view of chairman David Sullivan, who has admitted that the 24-year-old will get his wish and leave the London Stadium this summer.
West Ham chief says Declan Rice can leave
Sullivan spoke to TalkSPORT after his side won the Europa Conference League, and admitted that Rice has probably played his final game for West Ham.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
“I think it has to be,” he said, when asked if the final in Prague will be Rice’s last Hammers appearance.
“We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
“In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.
“It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down. It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go.
“You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
Sullivan added that West Ham are yet to receive any offers for Rice, but expects that to change imminently.
Door is now open for Newcastle
Following Sullivan’s comments about Rice, the door is now open for Newcastle to make a move. He has been linked with a move to St James’ Park in recent months. It was recently reported by the Independent that the Magpies want the 24-year-old, but will turn to Scott McTominay if they can’t get him.
A move for Rice would be a dream for most Newcastle fans. We need someone to play the number six role in midfield, and Rice would be absolutely perfect.
However, it feels like this deal is going to be impossible for the Magpies. It has been claimed that the Toon owners believe he wants too much money, while his price tag is huge. TalkSPORT state that West Ham want around £120million for him.
That is almost double Newcastle’s current transfer record. While we might have very rich owners, Newcastle have still been careful not to overspend. And with Eddie Howe wanting to add multiple players to his squad this summer, it would be unwise to spend pretty much his entire budget on one player.
The door is open for Newcastle to make a move for Rice, but it feels unlikely that Dan Ashworth will take the opportunity. It is a shame, but probably the correct thing to do financially.