We can’t see Declan Rice wanting to move to Manchester United so it may be that his avenues to a West Ham exit are firmly closed!
The Hammers midfielder is again being linked with a switch to Old Trafford, as per The Daily Telegraph. Of course, that’s the newspaper that got it dead wrong over him leaving last year!
United are said to be eyeing a deal under prospective new manager Erik Ten Hag but why would he go? Why would West Ham sell him?
They’re two very different questions. Firstly, we know Declan isn’t motivated by money. While United could hypothetically come in with a huge £150m bid, Declan isn’t going to see his head turned by a huge contract offer of £400,000-per-week or more.
United are actually behind the Hammers in the Premier League table. So it just doesn’t make sense for him to make the move; his motivation is trophies, competing with the best, and winning the biggest prizes. United are a million miles away.
Chelsea are out of the race after their ownership struggles. It’s a non-starter.
The only clubs who could potentially give Declan everything he is said to want are Manchester City and Liverpool. The former want Erling Haaland in a blockbuster summer deal instead, and the Reds won’t pay over £100m for Declan.
West Ham don’t want him to leave. There is an acceptance at the club that the deal simply cannot be considered unless there’s a mega price tag involved.
It just doesn’t look likely to happen.