West Ham midfielder Declan Rice does have an asking price, according to ExWHUemployee. The insider has spoken out after disputing claims made that Rice’s father, who is also the player’s agent, is a Chelsea season ticket holder.
That story has gained traction online, although Ex points out that the Hammers vice captain’s Dad has been taking care of his son’s affairs since March and there is no change in terms of the midfielder’s future.
Even so, when responding to a question from a follower regarding Rice potentially leaving in January, he replied that Chelsea or any other club would have to match the price tag set by West Ham:
The key thing I would say is whether Chelsea meet our transfer price https://t.co/WtdILgI3Jc
— ExWHUemployee (@ExWHUemployee) December 18, 2020
This led to many Irons fans on Twitter speculating over the amount that the club would sell the player for, or if he should be kept no matter the offer:
100million minimum
— Lord Irons (COYI) (@Lord_Irons) December 18, 2020
There isn't enough numbers that match our asking price surely??
There isn't enough money on this earth to match his asking price….
— ⚒ Miss Markelle Nobletta ⚒ (@gsboutout) December 18, 2020
Can’t be any less than 100 now, guys gone up a gear. Best in the league at that position.
— Steve Merry (@steve_merry7) December 18, 2020
We would be stupid to sell at any price in January. And tbh we’d be stupid to sell at all. We need to build a team around him. The way he’s playing at the moment, his age and the fact he’s playing for England he’s worth 150 million.
— West Ham Somerset #GSBOUT (@WestHam_SW) December 18, 2020
That’s disappointing if true Ex, it should be shutters up and no sale surely?
— David Moyesio (@David_Moyesio) December 18, 2020
He won't leave he's our next captain for years to come ⚒
— #GSBOUT Tom⚒ (@WHU_Tom_) December 18, 2020
The way he is playing this season, the fact he is 21 and an England International with over 100 premier league matches and Captaining West Ham….what is our price because I wouldn’t sell him for anything less than £80m and even that is cheap
— AndyWHU1987 ⚒ (@AndyWHU1987) December 18, 2020
I wouldn’t even entertain the bid but if you were surely wait until after the euros and hope he has a good tournament with England and have a bidding was.Chelsea will be there in jan or the summer.but a successfully tournament for rice with England would add ? ??
— paul cook ⚒ (@paul_cook_1) December 18, 2020
Would be madness to sell in January.. the problem is Declan knows our owners and with them in charge he knows they won’t back Moyes .. so finish the season on a high , have a great Euros with England and then every top club in Europe will want him .. hold out for £120-150M …
— John Bell (@belly1966) December 18, 2020
The last reports regarding the asking price were around £80m so supporters should not be too worried about Rice leaving. With both Chelsea and Manchester United said to be keen on the player, though, you can’t rule anything out.