DAVID MOYES has warned Chelsea they’ll have to fork out ‘way more’ than £100million to land star man Declan Rice.
The Blues have been long-term admirers of the defensive midfielder and looked into the possibility of landing him last summer.
West Ham want ‘far more’ than £100m if they were to sell Declan RiceCredit: Rex Features
But ex-boss Frank Lampard was forced to concede defeat with the Hammers refusing to entertain any offers.
Rice, 22, has enjoyed yet another fine season as his side push for a shock European qualification.
West Ham owner David Sullivan reportedly told Jim White’s talkSPORT that Rice was now a £100m player.
But boss David Moyes disagrees, claiming his vice-captain is worth far more judging by the prices of other transfers.
Speaking ahead of West Ham’s clash with Leeds on Monday night, he said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer… far, far more than £100m.
“I look at the players who have joined some clubs from overseas and come in and had nowhere near the impact that Declan Rice would have.
“Also he is English, [we have] just had Brexit, so I wouldn’t agree with the owners if Declan Rice was only £100m. No, I wouldn’t.”
The defensive midfielder still has a contract with West Ham until 2024 with the option of an extra year.
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Moyes’ side could move level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea if they beat Leeds and the Blues draw with Everton.
But the former Manchester United manager believes West Ham don’t need Champions League football to keep Rice at the club.
He added: “Do we need the Champions League to keep Declan?
“No, because Declan is under contract first and foremost, so he can’t go anywhere no matter what and I keep saying and I hope people know that when I say something I mean it.
“We’ve not had an offer for Declan Rice and I hope we don’t get one.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
