MANCHESTER UNITED’S Casemiro and Arsenal’s Thomas Partey have been warned that Declan Rice could keep either out of the team if he joins their club in the summer.
Newcastle right-back Kieran Trippier has made the claim about the West Ham captain after he impressed against the Toon in last weekend’s Premier League fixture.
Rice led the Hammers to a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park and Trippier spoke to the Vibe with Five podcast about the midfielder.
The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea.
Trippier replied without hesitation when asked if he would rather have Partey or Rice in his team: “Declan. Declan’s unbelievable.
“I don’t know if you watched the game the other day when we played West Ham, but just his intelligence, the way he breaks up play and how he travels with it, and how powerful he is.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
“Unbelievable, probably one of the best in the world at what he does.”
Trippier was then quizzed on choosing Rice or Casemiro, but again he picked his England team-mate.
The ex-Tottenham and Atletico Madrid star said: “As defenders like me, you appreciate a Michael Carrick, or what Declan does.
“So it makes your job easier when they’re just mopping everything up.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“Don’t get me wrong, Casemiro, the trophies he’s won, the Champions Leagues, he’s a world-class player.
“But if you’re talking right now, Dec is incredible, he’s got the age as well.”
Rice has just entered the last 18 months of his contract at West Ham but the club do have an option to extend his stay by an additional year.
Irons manager David Moyes recently claimed it could take an astronomical fee to prize him away from East London.
The Scot said: “Declan is going to be a top player and undoubtedly he’ll be a British transfer record if he ever leaves West Ham.
“I hope it’s not [an inevitable departure]. I hope he sees his time here [at West Ham].
“Look, there’s a lot of talk about it and it’s just important when you see what’s going about for the prices.
“I think Declan will be blowing that out of the water, that’s for sure, when it comes around.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is keen to add to his central midfield options, having seen approaches for Brighton star Moises Caicedo rejected.
Read More on The Sun
Meanwhile, Man Utd reportedly had a £100million bid for Rice turned down by West Ham before the season started.
But they could go back in for him this coming summer, especially if mega-rich Qatari owners purchase the club.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
