Report: Clubs considering bids for Rice
The Sun states both clubs are “mulling bids” for the Republic of Ireland international, who is rumoured to be involved in a “contract stand-off” with the Hammers as his agent looks to get an improved contract for his client.
The arrival of France under-21s star Issa Diop for a club-record £22million fee is “likely to push (Rice) down the pecking order”, according to the tabloid. And The Sun reports the 19-year-old, who can also play in midfield, “will not be an automatic starter” under new boss Manuel Pellegrini.
In response to the report, Sky Sports say “West Ham remain in talks with defender Declan Rice over a new contract”
Club insiders have told ClaretandHugh in the last 24 hours that Rice is “not for sale”
We have previously been told that Pellegrini will sit down with Rice on his return and that the manager will have the final decision on a new wage deal. Pellegrini gets to his West Ham office for the first next Monday and the players don’t don’t return to training until 1st July.