West Ham look for major Rice auction

West Ham are hoping for a major Rice auction in this summers transfer window.

Hughie Southon reports that West Ham hoping to encourage a major Rice auction in the upcoming transfer window.

West Ham are looking for a three way auction or more when Declan Rice looks to leave the club in the summer transfer window.

Stories that Arsenal are alone in the market for the Hammers skipper are false with Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid all keen on the 24 year old.

And that is exactly the way the Irons want it as they look to get £100 million plus for the defensive midfielder who has become the top academy prospect since the days of Bobby Moore.

There now seems no future for Dec at the Hammers so the next best thing is for the club to get the money they believe he is worth and that remains around the £100 million mark.

They would have no hope of getting such a fee with only one club involved and that’s why the move is set to drag on as the hammers wait for a series of bids to come in from interested outfits.

As things stand there are no definite favourites although Real Madrid are looking on with keen interest.

A key Hammers source told us: “Obviously the more clubs interested is a far better position for him and us.”

Arsenal are believed to be leading the chase but the Hammers board are looking to encourage as much competition as possible, with the Gunners reluctant to part with more than £70 according to numerous reports.