David Moyes denies Chelsea have made contact with West ham for Declan Rice
According to the Metro, West Ham United manager David Moyes has revealed that Chelsea has not made any contract regarding star midfielder Declan Rice.
He also went on to admit that the Hammers will rebuff any interest from elsewhere for the 22-year-old.
“They’re not true, we’ve had no contact from either of those clubs regarding Declan and we wouldn’t want any anyway.”
Rice was released from the Chelsea academy at the age of 14. He moved to West Ham and has since then emerged into one of the country’s best upcoming midfielders.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is a fan of the player and is keen on bringing him back to the Bridge. Rice too, for his part, is open to a return. He is, however, unwilling to force through a move due to his respect for the Hammers.
The Blues will also have to contend with competition from Moyes’ former side Manchester United. The Red Devils view the midfielder as a long-term replacement for the aging Nemanja Matic.
Rice will however not come cheap. Chelsea will need to fork out at least £70m to secure the midfielder’s services.
While Lampard is keen on Rice, the Chelsea hierarchy does not appear to be entirely convinced. (h/t Express)
They remain doubtful if the youngster has the required quality and has the ability to step up to a top-level side. Given how Kepa Arriizabalaga and Kai Havertz have performed so far, the scepticism is understandable.
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Rice has proven himself to be an excellent player for West Ham. There is certainly enough to suggest he could go on to become a leading midfielder in the future.
Whether that will be at Chelsea or not remains to be seen.