Chelsea News: Declan Rice prefers a move to the Blues over Manchester United as West Ham United is looking to sell him for £150 million

Chelsea News: West Ham United could sell Declan Rice in the summer. But the England midfielder reportedly prefers a move to Chelsea even though Manchester United is heavily interested in him. 

West Ham United has been one of the teams to beat in the last couple of years. Owing to this the Hammers also qualified to the Europa League this term. They are currently in the quarterfinals of the Europa League. 

Similarly, David Moyes’ side had a strong start to their Premier League campaign as well. The Hammers were in contention for a Champions League berth. But recent results have seen them slip to 7th position. 

West Ham United’s captain Declan Rice has been one of the most instrumental players on the team. But the Hammers could be losing him in the summer as clubs are piling up for his signature! 

Chelsea News: Can the Blues sign Declan Rice?

Read More: West Ham United demand £150 million for Declan Rice as Man United look on!

As per the Daily Mail, Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring Declan Rice’s position with West Ham United. But in case the midfielder moves out in the summer, he would prefer going to the Blues. 

Declan Rice had been a part of Chelsea’s youth team until the age of 14. But things didn’t work out for the player and he was released from the Blues’ setup. Following this Rice joined West Ham United and even made his professional debut with the club.

The England international has been an integral part of the Hammers in the last two seasons. Adding to this, Rice also played an important role for the Three Lions as England finished as the runner’s up in the Euros last summer. 

Declan Rice’s contract expires in 2024. Though talks of a contract extension are not officially off the table, manager David Moyes has reportedly given up. The West Ham manager has seemingly understood that the midfielder wants to play for a bigger club. 

Owing to this, West Ham United has placed a price tag of £150 million on Declan Rice. Should any club purchase the midfielder, it would become a British transfer record. This record is currently held by Jack Grealish who signed with Manchester City for £100 million last summer. 

Declan Rice has made 183 appearances since being promoted to the West Ham United first team in 2016. Hence the defensive midfielder promises quality and experience wherever he chooses to go. 

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Why is Rice leaving the Hammers? 

Declan Rice reportedly wants to play in the Champions League. Owing to this he prefers a move to Chelsea as the Blues currently have a better chance to play in the competition than Manchester United. 

West Ham United could still qualify for the UEFA Champions League if they win the Europa League. Hence this could be a way by which the Hammers could retain Declan Rice’s service for at least another season.