By Dave Langton

Declan Rice has emerged as a potential target for Newcastle United.

The Magpies are pushing for qualification to the Champions League and find themselves third in the table, with just one defeat this season.

Rice is seen as the kind of player by Newcastle who can be a cornerstone of their project for years to come and they have plenty of cash to splash.

Hammers insiders believe Newcastle may see an opportunity to sign Rice in the summer if their form continues and they are capable of offering Champions League football.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United, Declan’s two other major suitors, are currently outside of the top four, sitting eighth and fifth respectively.

It remains to be seen if Declan would be willing to move north to Newcastle but they have the finances required to make a deal happen.

Any bid may well be dependent on European qualification, and also where the Hammers finish.

As it stands, Declan is at the tournament in Qatar, but when he comes back he could be plunged into a relegation battle.