Champions League contenders West Ham United have looked to put off potential suitors of their England midfielder, Declan Rice, by informing any interested club they would have to find $229m (£200m) for them to even consider letting him go.
The price tag now on the head of the 23-year-old stands at double what the Hammers were reportedly looking for in the summer, as speculation grows about his future. It’s widely reported that several clubs are looking at Rice, who is in fine form in the Premier League.
Rice has played a pivotal part in West Ham’s charge to a potential spot in next season’s European competition, who has been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.
But it’s something that can’t be said of Manchester United, who are one of the teams looking at capturing his services.
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Despite the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, the Red Devils have struggled to maintain a consistent run of form in England’s top league, with one of the main reasons for this said to be their soft-centred midfield. As a result, they’re currently not ranked among the favorites with Coral to win the Premier League, but that’s a situation their new manager is looking to correct.
However, if Ralf Rangnick turns to Rice to revive his side’s title chances during this transfer window, he’ll have to fend off the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.