Declan Rice

[Ali Dia]

bloody hell has it actually been that long? That is terrifying some were saying we'd left it too late even then!

hahaha i was so hooked on that transfer. I can remember being out on the lash in Berlin during the saga and taking a quick breather to go sit in a toilet and find out if the lads on here thought Vidal was any closer to signing for us Simpler times now @Judas

Announce Sancho!

 

[theklr]

If we are going to sign Rice, i don’t think we will need to sign a CB as he can equally cover good in that position as well. Perhaps that’s the thinking from the club and we can also use Jesse in the deal. Then use the rest of the budget on Sancho and we should be grand

Is he really that decent as a CB? Cant remember watching him as that much.

 

[VP89]

Is he really that decent as a CB? Cant remember watching him as that much.

Thought he was alright, just like he's alright in midfield. I am still unsure on Rice to be honest.

 

[RUCK4444]

ahhh the location card has been played...smooth

I’ve not said anything about prices in my posts before, simply if the price is right.

I also don’t need to waste my time comparing him to Scott as they are different players as
I’m sure you’ll agree as you’ve watched rice many times so you say right.

finally, I simply called you out as we can all see from one of your earlier posts that in your own words rice’s only strength is his tackling. Thus I came to the conclusion you’ve not actually seen him play as you also say he’s slow.

However as floyd just pointed out you’ve perhaps Changed your tune so at this point I’m none the wiser to what your viewpoint on rice is. Last night you slated him. Today in your own words you don’t actually think he’s that bad.

which one is it

Nah I've just acknowledged he's young and could improve.

I never said he was awful, I said he was overpriced, and he is. I said he was a basic DM at this time and I stand by that. I compared him to Scott because we don't have a like for like comparison in the squad other than perhaps Matic but he doesn't get regular game time.

He's a good tackler, decent positionally in the centre, ok-ish at passing and is relatively slow.

The only reason I would be tempted by this deal if it were priced very attractively by the fact Jesse is going the other way. We have multiple holes in the squad, spending crazing money on this lad would be insanity.

 

[Lash]

Is he really that decent as a CB? Cant remember watching him as that much.

I think he's got the attributes to be an elite CB, he's not played there in a while now though, so I think that ship has sailed to be a top CB.

 

[justsomebloke]

There's nothing wrong with going in with an initially unrealistic proposal in this case. Lingard has been the most productive player in the entire league since he went there. He is priceless to West Ham right now, and importantly is already a fan favourite. While the fans expect to lose Rice at some stage, they still won't be happy about it, but getting a player with Lingards numbers eases that situation significantly.

That further increases the value of Lingard. What would that player be worth to them if we remove Rice from the equation altogether, or more specifically in this case how much is it worth to them to not lose him? I think we need to go in and sell West Ham hard on the notion that he could easily be kept at United, or go elsewhere, and all of a sudden getting Lingard and having £20-30m to replace Rice is looking better and better for them. Good DMs are far more common, and gettable for them, than a player who is putting up Lingards numbers.

There's zero chance that they lose interest if we come in with a strong position here

That's not how negotiation works, in my experience. If you value your asset beyond credibility, you just signal that you're prepared to drop the deal, and that you're not going to make it unless you can pressure the other side into overpaying. At that point, anyone smart will seriously consider just walking away. And if they don't, you can only make it work ultimately by seriously dropping your own valuation, which will further convince the other side you're not serious or trustworthy, and that your valuation isn't a thing to take seriously.

Obviously you want to maximise what you get out of it, but you don't achieve that by starting off with an obviously excessive valuation. Not if your primary aim is to get a deal.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I just don't get the obsession with Rice.

People talk like he's Casemiro in this thread.

 

[passing-wind]

I just don't get the obsession with Rice.

People talk like he's Casemiro in this thread.

I think the main aspect is to identify the squads weaknesses and to address it with the qualities a certain player brings to the table. I wouldn't trust the cafe for analysis of player performance when many hold Fred in such high regards alongside statements such as Maguire being the best in the league.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I think the main aspect is to identify the squads weaknesses and to address it with the qualities a certain player brings to the table. I wouldn't trust the cafe for analysis of player performance when many hold Fred in such high regards alongside statements such as Maguire being the best in the league.

Or maybe that's just your poor judgement if you think Fred and Maguire are bad players?

The grass is always greener I suppose.

What would Rice bring to the squad that we already don't have?

 

[Lash]

Or maybe that's just your poor judgement if you think Fred and Maguire are bad players?

The grass is always greener I suppose.

What would Rice bring to the squad that we already don't have?

I don't think this is the right question, because he would be an upgrade on Matic and puts up similar numbers to Fred. Does that warrant spending the potential fee being mooted, not for me.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I don't think this is the right question, because he would be an upgrade on Matic and puts up similar numbers to Fred. Does that warrant spending the potential fee being mooted, not for me.

I think this is the issue. for the money he's just not that much better than what we have.

I'd rather give his place to Garner who looks like he is a genuine playmaker with a goalscoring and set piece threat.

Yes we need a Matic replacement, but right now McFred is the clear number 1 midfield for Ole, and they're both still in their primes. Will we pay £60m+ for a slight upgrade

 

[OrcaFat]

I think the main aspect is to identify the squads weaknesses and to address it with the qualities a certain player brings to the table. I wouldn't trust the cafe for analysis of player performance when many hold Fred in such high regards alongside statements such as Maguire being the best in the league.

Full disclosure: I think Fred is quite good and Maguire is among the best in the league.

Analysis would be overstating it but I watch Rice play football and rate him very highly. Not sure anyone can say much more than that really.

 

[Terry Chango]

I’ve not seen anyone say he’s world class or that he’s the finished article in this thread.

what we have seen is posters saying he’s a plodder, static, slow, technically weak and he’s English like it’s a negative thing.

What we do know is that he’s only 22, he’s a club captain for a club competing with Chelsea, Liverpool and Leicester for a top four finish. In his first two debut seasons he was runner up WHFC player of the season, last season he played every single game of the season and picked up player of the season.

Since then he’s become an England regular, he’ll start at the euros as Gary and Carra have predicted on sky a few weeks back. He’s developed further this season and in a technically strong England team he hasn’t looked out of place. There’s a video posted
above in this thread briefly showcasing his technical ability. He’s good enough for United as a top young prospect like carrick was a few years back despite a slightly different skill set.

The fact so many posters think a professional footballer and England international is technically weak is so ignorant. If you see these lads that some of you call plodders close up in training you’d be eating humble pie. They work extremely hard and are elite footballers yet if they aren’t like peak iniesta, Xavi or scholes then some posters make some ridiculous statements. It’s like some of you have never played the game even at a Sunday league level.

His peers, team mates, ex and current managers all speak highly of him when they don’t have too. He’s held his own for West Ham against the leagues best teams.

He’s not the finished article but posters saying he’d bring nothing to the squad if the price is right are well off.

Finally, I like Scott M but anyone thinking Scott could do the job rice will do for England at the euros if he were English are just making lazy comparisons.

 

[Lash]

I think this is the issue. for the money he's just not that much better than what we have.

I'd rather give his place to Garner who looks like he is a genuine playmaker with a goalscoring and set piece threat.

Yes we need a Matic replacement, but right now McFred is the clear number 1 midfield for Ole, and they're both still in their primes. Will we pay £60m+ for a slight upgrade

The only thing with Garner is that we see what playing a lot of games has done, we wouldn't be able to give him that next season. I think it's probably better he goes back out on loan. Rather their decision than mine eh!

 

[yamo123x]

I think this is the issue. for the money he's just not that much better than what we have.

I'd rather give his place to Garner who looks like he is a genuine playmaker with a goalscoring and set piece threat.

Yes we need a Matic replacement, but right now McFred is the clear number 1 midfield for Ole, and they're both still in their primes. Will we pay £60m+ for a slight upgrade

Friends who are Forest fans saying Garner been decent, but they dont see star quality, they say his work rate and ethusiasm are his best traits but a bit lightweight and goes missing in games.

Ive watched Garner few times in live games recently and i didnt feel he had developed enough to be a first team player, he didnt stand out..but was steady....next 18 months are so important for him. Great promise and i hope he develops.

That said i'm very pro a move for Declan Rice, he has character and attributes to be a top midfielder for us for next decade. Remember us paying 3.75 mill for a raw keano and thinking it was a gamble, 18.6million on carrick and same feelings....i know Rice comes with much bigger price tag in modern climate but i really do think it would be worth it long term.

 

[Adam-Utd]

Friends who are Forest fans saying Garner been decent, but they dont see star quality, they say his work rate and ethusiasm are his best traits but a bit lightweight and goes missing in games.

Ive watched Garner few times in live games recently and i didnt feel he had developed enough to be a first team player, he didnt stand out..but was steady....next 18 months are so important for him. Great promise and i hope he develops.

That said i'm very pro a move for Declan Rice, he has character and attributes to be a top midfielder for us for next decade. Remember us paying 3.75 mill for a raw keano and thinking it was a gamble, 18.6million on carrick and same feelings....i know Rice comes with much bigger price tag in modern climate but i really do think it would be worth it long term.

I've seen plenty of people raving about him at Forest also, saying he's too good for that level.

Either way obviously he wouldn't be first choice next year, but it would be a good year to bring him into the squad and give him a few matches / minutes against easier sides. With Pogba potentially leaving either this year or next, he could be the deep lying playmaker we need to help stitch midfield/attack together.

 

[OrcaFat]

I've seen plenty of people raving about him at Forest also, saying he's too good for that level.

Either way obviously he wouldn't be first choice next year, but it would be a good year to bring him into the squad and give him a few matches / minutes against easier sides. With Pogba potentially leaving either this year or next, he could be the deep lying playmaker we need to help stitch midfield/attack together.

I’d prefer to leave Garner on loan until he’s good enough to start for us. If there’s doubt among Forest fans, I assume he is nowhere near ready.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I’d prefer to leave Garner on loan until he’s good enough to start for us. If there’s doubt among Forest fans, I assume he is nowhere near ready.

There's doubt amongst United fans that Pogba and Fernandes are good enough; fans really aren't great judges entirely.

 

[Bilbo]

That's not how negotiation works, in my experience. If you value your asset beyond credibility, you just signal that you're prepared to drop the deal, and that you're not going to make it unless you can pressure the other side into overpaying. At that point, anyone smart will seriously consider just walking away. And if they don't, you can only make it work ultimately by seriously dropping your own valuation, which will further convince the other side you're not serious or trustworthy, and that your valuation isn't a thing to take seriously.

Obviously you want to maximise what you get out of it, but you don't achieve that by starting off with an obviously excessive valuation. Not if your primary aim is to get a deal.

I've had some experience of negotiation too in my career, and the key is leverage. The ace in our hand is that Lingard is already there and performing extremely well. They've had a taste of it, and will now feel as though they cannot do without him. We on the other hand have no guarantee that Rice can make the step up, and there are other options for us. They need him more than we need Rice so we have the upper hand.

Obviously they can also just say no deal for Rice and bid for Jesse separately. United should be asking for at least £30m from anybody IMO. His stock has never been higher.

 

[Ali Dia]

I've had some experience of negotiation too in my career, and the key is leverage. The ace in our hand is that Lingard is already there and performing extremely well. They've had a taste of it, and will now feel as though they cannot do without him. We on the other hand have no guarantee that Rice can make the step up, and there are other options for us. They need him more than we need Rice so we have the upper hand.

Obviously they can also just say no deal for Rice and bid for Jesse separately. United should be asking for at least £30m from anybody IMO. His stock has never been higher.

If they ask for stupid money we should quote a stupid price for Jesse. They’ll soften.

 

[city-puma]

I really don’t know if he and us are a good match, but it’s at least better than starting Matic. Matic is still very useful for the last 15 mins or so when we need to shut the shop. So, even if Rice joins us, we should still keep Matic for another year.

 

[OrcaFat]

There's doubt amongst United fans that Pogba and Fernandes are good enough; fans really aren't great judges entirely.

True. But going by your comment that he obviously won’t be first choice, might as well let him play elsewhere until he obviously would be challenging for a first team spot. I confess I haven’t seen him recently so I can’t say how good I think he is. I just wouldn’t see the point of bringing him back to languish on the fringe.

 

[justsomebloke]

I've had some experience of negotiation too in my career, and the key is leverage. The ace in our hand is that Lingard is already there and performing extremely well. They've had a taste of it, and will now feel as though they cannot do without him. We on the other hand have no guarantee that Rice can make the step up, and there are other options for us. They need him more than we need Rice so we have the upper hand.

Obviously they can also just say no deal for Rice and bid for Jesse separately. United should be asking for at least £30m from anybody IMO. His stock has never been higher.

Yes, but you can't simply fabricate leverage by flagrantly overvaluing your asset, unless your opposite number is an idiot. I'm sure West Ham wants Lingard, but if they conclude they're only going to get him by allowing us to feck them over, I doubt they want him that much. Also, they clearly do not want to lose Rice, and they would be mad to put anything like an equal value on them. Rice is a much, much more valuable asset than Lingard. 30m is fine as an asking price for Lingard, but then why would you suggest a straight-up swap for Rice, who is worth far more than that?

 

[OrcaFat]

Yes, but you can't simply fabricate leverage by flagrantly overvaluing your asset, unless your opposite number is an idiot. I'm sure West Ham wants Lingard, but if they conclude they're only going to get him by allowing us to feck them over, I doubt they want him that much. Also, they clearly do not want to lose Rice, and they would be mad to put anything like an equal value on them. Rice is a much, much more valuable asset than Lingard. 30m is fine as an asking price for Lingard, but then why would you suggest a straight-up swap for Rice, who is worth far more than that?

Thought Bilbo suggested Lingard plus £20-30m..?
Seems a bit low but not an outrageous starting point from which we would have to go up, probably to Lingard plus £45m (or even £55m).

In terms of negotiating, it would be okay as we’d start by over-valuing Lingard and undervaluing Rice and therefore there’s room for the deal to shift quite a bit by adjusting both valuations.

 

[Bebestation]

The thing about Rice is that he is the Mascherano of this team if he joins us.

That doesn't mean we dont need a Xabi Alonso - but just because we dont have our Xabi Alonso yet doesn't mean that we dont need our Mascherano either.

I think Rice can be our Mascherano and there really isnt this list of similar unbelievable players to choose from. Thats why this club and alot of its fans wants Rice.

When a version of a xabi Alonso type player becomes available then there will be room for him in the squad too. (This might be Garner, if not then someone else).

I feel like the people who want that Carrick or Xabi Alonso player is trying to put down the Mascherano player for not having that ability on the ball; when we could just do we both.

 

[justsomebloke]

Thought Bilbo suggested Lingard plus £20-30m..?
Seems a bit low but not an outrageous starting point from which we would have to go up, probably to Lingard plus £45m (or even £55m).

In terms of negotiating, it would be okay as we’d start by over-valuing Lingard and undervaluing Rice and therefore there’s room for the deal to shift quite a bit by adjusting both valuations.

Think the suggestion was starting with an offer of a straight swap? If not, I've been arguing with phantoms here.

 

[croadyman]

The thing about Rice is that he is the Mascherano of this team if he joins us.

That doesn't mean we dont need a Xabi Alonso - but just because we dont have our Xabi Alonso yet doesn't mean that we dont need our Mascherano either.

I think Rice can be our Mascherano and there really isnt this list of similar unbelievable players to choose from. Thats why this club and alot of its fans wants Rice.

When a version of a xabi Alonso type player becomes available then there will be room for him in the squad too. (This might be Garner, if not then someone else).

I feel like the people who want that Carrick or Xabi Alonso player is trying to put down the Mascherano player for not having that ability on the ball; when we could just do we both.

Yeah could do with a Zakaria/Neves along with Rice but convinced the club will only buy a MF if Pogba leaves, therefore there is absolutely no chance of us signing both a CDM & DLP despite really needing both for different options

 

[Bebestation]

The thing about Lingard is that he is the player to arguably keep West Ham fans happy when losing one of their best players/captains in Rice.

West Ham know this so hopefully we can try make Lingard's value go a bit OTT when dealing with a transfer.

 

[OrcaFat]

Think the suggestion was starting with an offer of a straight swap? If not, I've been arguing with phantoms here.

Oh yes, well I could have misread it, for sure!

 

[Bilbo]

Yes, but you can't simply fabricate leverage by flagrantly overvaluing your asset, unless your opposite number is an idiot. I'm sure West Ham wants Lingard, but if they conclude they're only going to get him by allowing us to feck them over, I doubt they want him that much. Also, they clearly do not want to lose Rice, and they would be mad to put anything like an equal value on them. Rice is a much, much more valuable asset than Lingard. 30m is fine as an asking price for Lingard, but then why would you suggest a straight-up swap for Rice, who is worth far more than that?

Thats the whole thing though. Why should Rice be considered so much more valuable? He looks like a decent player but he hasn't convinced everyone. Far from it. He isn't my choice for our summer business.

You say you can't fabricate leverage by overvaluing an asset, but that's exactly what West Ham have done here. They say 'we want £100m' and the fans automatically think 'we'll get him for £65-70m - great deal for us' when in reality he's done nothing to justify anything over £50m at most. West Ham are setting their market by overvaluing their asset, in the same way that United would be overvaluing Jesse by offering a straight swap.

I think some here are underestimating our leverage because of the way we've thought about Jesse as a United player. Let's be clear here - he is ripping this league apart at the moment and has revitalised West Ham in a way no other player has done since Payet. They'll be desperate to keep him

 

[OrcaFat]

Thats the whole thing though. Why should Rice be considered so much more valuable? He looks like a decent player but he hasn't convinced everyone. Far from it. He isn't my choice for our summer business.

You say you can't fabricate leverage by overvaluing an asset, but that's exactly what West Ham have done here. They say 'we want £100m' and the fans automatically think 'we'll get him for £65-70m - great deal for us' when in reality he's done nothing to justify anything over £50m at most. West Ham are setting their market by overvaluing their asset, in the same way that United would be overvaluing Jesse by offering a straight swap.

I think some here are underestimating our leverage because of the way we've thought about Jesse as a United player. Let's be clear here - he is ripping this league apart at the moment and has revitalised West Ham in a way no other player has done since Payet. They'll be desperate to keep him

Good points all these but I don’t think straight swap is close to realistic in terms of an actual deal. Who knows what tactic our negotiators will adopt and possibly offering a swap would get the conversation going but looking at the numbers you put up in your post, it’s like us saying, if Rice is worth £100m then so is Lingard, which sounds kind of outrageous.

He has played great for them but Lingard has had purple patches before then also long spells of less impressive form. Which is not a secret.

I don’t want us to get fleeced again but I think there is a c. £50mil difference in the values of these two guys. If the Hammers really are more desperate than us, perhaps that could end up closer to £40m but much as they want Lingard they also know that we actually don’t really want him back and, in fact, Lingard coming back and no deal at all is probably the worst outcome for us.

Even so, it’s an interesting scenario and will be fun to see it play out.

 

[Bilbo]

Good points all these but I don’t think straight swap is close to realistic in terms of an actual deal. Who knows what tactic our negotiators will adopt and possibly offering a swap would get the conversation going but looking at the numbers you put up in your post, it’s like us saying, if Rice is worth £100m then so is Lingard, which sounds kind of outrageous.

He has played great for them but Lingard has had purple patches before then also long spells of less impressive form. Which is not a secret.

I don’t want us to get fleeced again but I think there is a c. £50mil difference in the values of these two guys. If the Hammers really are more desperate than us, perhaps that could end up closer to £40m but much as they want Lingard they also know that we actually don’t really want him back and, in fact, Lingard coming back and no deal at all is probably the worst outcome for us.

Even so, it’s an interesting scenario and will be fun to see it play out.

Yeah for sure. Just to be clear I don't think a straight swap is fair here,or has any chance of happening, but I definitely don't think it's out of line for an opening move either

 

[davidmichael]

Scholes and Hargreaves basically saying we need to sign a pure out and out defensive midfielder so we can play Fernandes and Pogba in the same team to boost our creativity and become a better attacking force in games, been saying it for months that those two plus Rashford and maybe Sancho supporting the centre forward is as good as anything in Europe so Rice is must buy.

 

[Hammondo]

The thing about Rice is that he is the Mascherano of this team if he joins us.

That doesn't mean we dont need a Xabi Alonso - but just because we dont have our Xabi Alonso yet doesn't mean that we dont need our Mascherano either.

I think Rice can be our Mascherano and there really isnt this list of similar unbelievable players to choose from. Thats why this club and alot of its fans wants Rice.

When a version of a xabi Alonso type player becomes available then there will be room for him in the squad too. (This might be Garner, if not then someone else).

I feel like the people who want that Carrick or Xabi Alonso player is trying to put down the Mascherano player for not having that ability on the ball; when we could just do we both.

He's nowhere near as good as Mascherano.

 

[Svartzonker]

He's nowhere near as good as Mascherano.

Well that is obvious. Mascherano was one of the best in his position. The poster quite clearly said they are similar player.

Being 22 and doing what Rice is doing is pretty impressive, even if he is not and porbably never will be as good as Mascherano.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Scholes and Hargreaves basically saying we need to sign a pure out and out defensive midfielder so we can play Fernandes and Pogba in the same team to boost our creativity and become a better attacking force in games, been saying it for months that those two plus Rashford and maybe Sancho supporting the centre forward is as good as anything in Europe so Rice is must buy.

Pogba needed an extra centre back at 352 formation Juventus. Pogba needed an additional hard-working midfielder Matuidi (not just Kante) in France World Cup. And we also played Fred & McT against the top opposition with Pogba & Bruno in front four. Whenever Pogba played at his best, there is always additional support for him not just lone DM especially in games against oppositions that don't sit back. Don't be surprised, you will also see Rice and Fred/McT partnership if we sign Rice because that's how to get the best out of Pogba against top teams or teams that don't sit back.

 

[Cman]

I’m a bit on the fence with this one but can see it being one of the big transfer stories of the summer. The reason I can see it getting legs is because I think it makes sense for West Ham to sell him if they can get a good price for him.
Leicester have shown the way for teams such as themselves and West Ham to stay around the top of the table for a number of years- by bringing in and developing quality players and selling them at a premium.
Selling Kante and bringing in Ndidi for half the money is the obvious example but so is Maguire and Mahrez and many others.

I’d assume that transfer budget will be around 30m( perhaps more if they get CL). Lingard will prob cost that, so they will have to sell in order to buy after that. If they sold Rice for Lingard and 40m they then have 70m to bring in a new DM and whatever other players they have their eye on.
Given that some posters think that Camavinga and Bissouma might be available for around 40m I think Moyes would fancy his chances to pick up a cracking player to replace Rice and still have Lingard.
West Ham wouldn’t come out and say they want to sell as it would weaken their position and enrage their fans but if stories start to pop up in the media on a regular basis about this one I don’t think they will come out and say he’s not for sale either.

 

[Sultan]

Scholes and Hargreaves basically saying we need to sign a pure out and out defensive midfielder so we can play Fernandes and Pogba in the same team to boost our creativity and become a better attacking force in games, been saying it for months that those two plus Rashford and maybe Sancho supporting the centre forward is as good as anything in Europe so Rice is must buy.

United historically have never played with a pure defensive midfielder. Ole is surrounded by coaches from Sir Alex's era so it would be surprising if they take that route. Even if Rice is signed he will not be a pure defensive midfielder. They probably see him as more of a Carrick replacement.

 

[Bebestation]

United historically have never played with a pure defensive midfielder. Ole is surrounded by coaches from Sir Alex's era so it would be surprising if they take that route. Even if Rice is signed he will not be a pure defensive midfielder. They probably see him as more of a Carrick replacement.

I dont see Rice anything similar to Carrick.

Rice is more a tackler before aiming to recycle simple possession to better passers in the team.

Carrick was more a deep lying playmaker, a player that eventually needed Hargreaves protection in the CL.

I'm not saying he is anywhere near as good, but Rice reminds me of the player in Fernandinho's role as a City player. He is defensively capable of holding 2 attacking midfielders purely by his positioning and ability to have the opposition look for alternatives than attacking through the centre of the pitch. His passing is good but is simple compared to the rest of the teammates on the pitch. He helps the players in front of him have a freedom to attack whilst giving the defense and extended man positioned slightly further front of them.

It's why in my eyes there is a difference to Bissouma and Ndidi in my opinion because they go around aiming to chase down the ball or make an interception and do so by letting go off their central position.

Do I see Bissouma or Ndidi capable of being the only CDM holding his position in a formation/tactic that holds David Silva and De Bryune?

Maybe, but not as good as Rice in my opinion.

On the opposite end of scale if Chelsea wanted a replacement for Kante (or we wanted an upgrade on Fred) then I dont think Rice would be as good as Bissouma or Ndidi because they have more of that non stop energy type of football when they chase after the attacker and dont give them a chance.

 

[Hammondo]

I’m a bit on the fence with this one but can see it being one of the big transfer stories of the summer. The reason I can see it getting legs is because I think it makes sense for West Ham to sell him if they can get a good price for him.
Leicester have shown the way for teams such as themselves and West Ham to stay around the top of the table for a number of years- by bringing in and developing quality players and selling them at a premium.
Selling Kante and bringing in Ndidi for half the money is the obvious example but so is Maguire and Mahrez and many others.

I’d assume that transfer budget will be around 30m( perhaps more if they get CL). Lingard will prob cost that, so they will have to sell in order to buy after that. If they sold Rice for Lingard and 40m they then have 70m to bring in a new DM and whatever other players they have their eye on.
Given that some posters think that Camavinga and Bissouma might be available for around 40m I think Moyes would fancy his chances to pick up a cracking player to replace Rice and still have Lingard.
West Ham wouldn’t come out and say they want to sell as it would weaken their position and enrage their fans but if stories start to pop up in the media on a regular basis about this one I don’t think they will come out and say he’s not for sale either.

70 million for Rice even without the covid pandemic is crazy money.