West Ham eye ‘invaluable’ player who Newcastle like to replace Declan Rice

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Newcastle United are interested in signing Declan Rice, with the midfielder set to leave West Ham this summer.

The Hammers chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that the 24-year-old will be allowed to leave, which could open the door for Newcastle to get their man.

It has been reported that the Magpies want to hold talks with Rice about a move to St James’ Park, but it appears that we are not the favourites. Arsenal seem to be leading the chase for the England international, with Rice keen to remain in London.

It feels like a move to Newcastle is incredibly unlikely for Rice, and now a West Ham departure could result in Eddie Howe’s side missing out on another target.

West Ham identify two Declan Rice replacements

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham have identified two players who could potentially replace Rice at the London Stadium. They are Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Ajax ace Edson Alvarez.

Both players fit the bill – they are physical defensive midfielders who could fill the void that Rice looks set to leave behind. And the latter is a player who has been on Newcastle’s radar over the past 12 months.

Newcastle have been linked with Edson Alvarez

Alvarez is a player who Newcastle know all about. He was linked with a move to St James’ Park last summer, with the Magpies asking Ajax how much the Mexico international would cost. Like a lot of targets, he proved to be too much.

But the 25-year-old is certainly a player who Toon officials admire. It was reported earlier this year that the club’s recruitment team really like Alvarez, who has been described as ‘invaluable‘ by Rio Ferdinand.

Given Newcastle’s admiration for him and desire to revisit former targets, it would not be be a surprise if Alvarez was on the Magpies’ transfer shortlist this summer. Howe is looking to sign a number six, which is why Alvarez was identified as a possible signing 12 months ago.

One year on and Newcastle are still looking, but could miss out on Alvarez to a Premier League rival.

It could be a case of double jeopardy. Rice looks set to leave West Ham, but Newcastle are unlikely to get him – so that is one target missed. Then his departure could result in the Hammers signing Alvarez – which would be a second Toon target missed.