Newcastle United will make a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice if they decide to spend big this summer, according to talkSPORT.
The club’s Saudi Arabian owners are very wary of violating Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe also wants to keep the club’s wage bill low.
The club will be wary of spending massive sums this summer. But if they find some leeway, Rice will be one of their top targets.
They won’t be alone in their pursuit of the defensive midfielder. Arsenal are leading the chase for his signature and are eager to add his steel to their midfield.
No player has won possession more times or made more interceptions than Rice in the Premier League this season. He has made 68 tackles – only seven players have made more.
Rice has scored twice and assisted two more goals while delivering 1.1 key passes per game. He has won 57% of his duels.
The two-time West Ham Player of the Year has assisted one goal and won 71% of his duels in the conference League.
Rice is a leader and captain of the West Ham squad. His skill set has made him a world-class prospect, with Chelsea and Manchester United monitoring his development.
Arsenal remain his most likely destination this summer, but there is still the possibility of another club swooping for him.
Chelsea, who released Rice as a 14-year-old, could return for him. He is a lifelong Blues fan and has many friends in their dressing room.
Rice broke into the West Ham first team in 2017 as an 18-year-old. He has since established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe.
The two-time PFA Young Player of the Year nominee has earned 41 international caps with England. He is a regular for the Three Lions under Gareth Southgate.
West Ham will likely demand over £100 million for their prized asset. Manager David Moyes believes Rice’s transfer would break the British transfer record.
