£90m-rated Chelsea target accepts transfer fate but could spark three-way battle next summer

Transfer News: Declan Rice to stay at West Ham as Chelsea, Manchester United and Man City focus elsewhere

A report by Daily Mail states that Declan Rice has ‘accepted’ that he will stay at West Ham United this season after being linked with Chelsea through the course of the summer transfer window.

Manchester City and Man United also shared an interest in the 22-year-old defensive midfielder. But West Ham’s £90million valuation has prevented a move to a Champions League club so far.

The report states that Rice recognizes that a year at the London Stadium will not harm his career and he can get a taste of European football as well, with the Hammers qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.

West Ham United's Declan Rice impressed at the Euros with England.
West Ham United’s Declan Rice impressed at the Euros with England.

The three clubs chasing the West Ham star have all had varying priorities this season. United have spent over £100million in combined transfer fees for Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.

Harvest season next summer?

The Citizens have broken the British transfer record for Jack Grealish, while Marina Granovskaia can land Romelu Lukaku at Stamford Bridge this summer in a blockbuster deal. (h/t Daily Mail)

Rice, who came through the youth ranks at Chelsea during his early footballing years, can spark a transfer tussle next summer. He has also hinted that he would be enticed by the prospect of playing UCL football.

Chelsea target, Declan Rice, in action for West Ham United.
Chelsea target, Declan Rice, in action for West Ham United. (GETTY Images)

“When you start out in football you always want to play at the top. You want to play in the Champions League. If you were in football and you didn’t want to do that, there would be no point playing.”

More Chelsea News:

Chelsea are not short of quality midfielders as of now, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, and Matteo Kovacic have done a stellar job for Tuchel. But things can change next year with the French midfielder entering into the final 12 months of his contract.