Rice: Now a Real Madrid connection!

The Declan Rice transfer talk truly is getting out of hand and needs to stop.

Former Hammers defender Scott Minto has now jumped on the ever rolling bandwagon with a claim that simply has you shaking your head in bewilderment and resignation at the same time.

ClaretandHugh has contacted top London Stadium insiders on several occasions now to be told the same story – that the Irons would laugh at bids of £50 million.

Manchester United – not unexpectedly – have been regularly linked with the 20 year old but once again we have been told the same story – no inquiry.

But Minto has taken the whole affair to a new level by claiming Real Madrid have thrown their hat into the ring and are actually talking to the Rice family.

He said it on a Malaysian sports internet service called Stadium Astro, and you wonder why if it’s for real why he wouldn’t have chosen a more mainstream operation.

It seems to come from the same rumour factory as Felipe Anderson for Real – a Sky Sports story they later denied.

He said: “His reading of the game, his maturity for his age is incredible. He’s getting better and better with every game.”

“I’m hearing that even Real Madrid are knocking on the door and speaking to his family. That’s what I’m hearing.”

Host Adam Carruthers then asked where the former Hammers star heard the rumours and thje prompt reply was: “I’m not going to say but it’s a reliable source.”