£120 million Rice auction set to start
David Sullivan – having spoken to talkSPORT about the captain’s desire to leave the club – made it clear the club have also had three or four inquiries for him.
And he added that he wouldn’t be surprised if the first bid doesn’t come in immediately with Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich all keen.
It would come as no surprise either were Manchester City to come in with Kalvin Phillips thrown in as part of a payer plus cash deal.
Having explained that last night’s Conference final was Dec’s last game in claret and blue Sullivan is now in a hugely strong position to get the money he wants for his star player.
Arsenal are believed to be ready with a bid or around £90 million but that will almost certainly be topped or be forced upwards as the deals come in for the defensive midfielder.
Ideally the club want £120 million!
By Hughie Southon