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    West Ham to demand Prem record for Declan Rice as starting price in bidding war for Arsenal and Man Utd target revealed

    WEST HAM will start a £110million bidding war for Declan Rice after owner David Sullivan finally confirmed their captain can leave.The Hammers will demand a Premier League record fee — in excess of the £106m Chelsea paid Benfica for Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.
    Declan Rice has been told he can leave West HamCredit: PA
    Rice helped West Ham win their first European trophy in 58 years, but David Moyes will have to live without him next seasonCredit: Getty
    Rice, 24, led the Irons to their first major European trophy since 1965 on Wednesday.
    More than 70,000 fans lined the streets of East London to hail their heroes on their open-top bus victory parade.  
    Arsenal are expected to bid for England midfielder Rice in the coming days, while both Manchester clubs and Bayern Munich could soon follow.
    Asked if Rice had played his last game for West Ham, Sullivan said: “It has to be. We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going.
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    “You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
    “In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement — or several replacements.
    “It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000 a week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
    “It’s cost him £10m to stay at West Ham in that time [in lost wages].
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    “He wants to go. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
    Rice emulated legendary skipper Bobby Moore by lifting a major European trophy, thanks to Jarrod Bowen’s last-gasp Europa Conference League winner to beat Fiorentina 2-1.
    Yesterday, Rice posted a photo on Instagram of himself holding the trophy in his Prague hotel bed with the caption: “Good morning”.
    He has a year left on his current deal and West Ham have the option to extend it until 2025.
    Rice has consistently expressed his desire to play in the Champions League and compete for major honours.
    On whether any bids had already been made, Sullivan told talkSPORT: “No. But I think the offers will start to come.

    “There are three or four clubs who have shown interest but out of respect to West Ham, while we’re still playing, you don’t make offers for players.”
    Following Wednesday’s historic win, Rice refused to confirm whether his 245th appearance for the club would be his last.
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    He said: “It’s flattering to be wanted but the badge on my chest is West Ham and ultimately it’s up to the people above.”
    Manager David Moyes’ future is also up in the air but he is now expected to stay on at the London Stadium to lead the search for Rice’s replacement. More

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    BBC forced to apologise as Declan Rice swears twice in X-rated interview during West Ham Europa Conference trophy parade

    THE BBC were forced to apologise after Declan Rice swore twice when being interviewed during West Ham’s trophy parade. Rice captained the Hammers to the Europa Conference League trophy, their first success in over 50 years.
    The BBC were forced to apologise after Declan Rice swore twice when being interviewed
    Rice holds the trophy aloft as hundreds of Hammers fans cheer in East London
    The bus winds its way through the packed streets near the old Upton Park stadium
    David Moyes’ men were given a hero’s welcome upon their arrival back home and fans came out in their numbers to celebrate the moment with them.
    Rice was being interviewed after the parade when he accidentally let off an F-bomb.
    He said: “I’m lost for words.
    “You hear Billy Bonds, Bobby Moore and now to lift that trophy for this football club… it’s not hit me yet to be honest but it is so f****** special. I’m lost for words, it’s just incredible.”
    The first apology was issued on the BBC, but Rice could not contain himself as he continued: “These are the best fans in the world for me.
    “Two years in a row we’ve had European competitions, they travel all round the world to watch us, pre-season, Europe and to be honest I didn’t expect this many people here tonight.
    “But it is West Ham, we’re f****** massive, ain’t we?! Yes!”
    West Ham celebrated their first piece of European silverware since Bobby Moore’s Hammers won the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in May 1965.
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    Moore – who lifted the World Cup for England a year later – and his team-mates were greeted by fans from the balcony of East Ham Town Hall.
    This time, it was led by manager Moyes and club captain Rice, who may have played his last game in claret and blue.
    Hammers owner David Sullivan told talkSPORT: “I think it has to be [his last game].
    “We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
    “In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.
    “It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
    “It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go.
    “You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
    Declan Rice and manager David Moyes with the trophyCredit: PA More

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    Declan Rice has missed out on £10MILLION by staying at West Ham as club’s owner lifts lid on mega-money contract offer

    DECLAN RICE has missed out on £10MILLION in wages after rejecting West Ham’s contract offer 18 months ago.Hammers owner David Sullivan revealed on Thursday that the club’s Europa Conference League triumph was Rice’s final game for the East London outfit as he prepares to depart in the summer.
    West Ham skipper Declan Rice will leave the club this summerCredit: PA
    The England international, 24, has come through West Ham’s youth set-up but is now the subject of interest from Europe’s top clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
    Yet despite his imminent departure, captain Rice has been praised for showing loyalty to his boyhood club.

    And that trait was illustrated by him declining a £200,000-a-week contract 18 months ago – only for him to give his all while being paid wages well below his market value – thought to be around £60,000-a-week.
    Speaking on talkSPORT, Sullivan said: “I think it has to be [his last game]. We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going.
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    “You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
    “In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.
    “It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
    “It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go.
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    “You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
    Rice’s contract runs out at the end of next season.
    West Ham are understood to value the midfielder at around £100million.
    Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Rice and the Gunners are reportedly the midfielder’s preferred destination. More

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    Declan Rice’s future confirmed by West Ham chairman hours after Conference League victory amid Arsenal links

    WEST HAM owner David Sullivan has confirmed Declan Rice has played his last game for the club.The Hammers captain led his side to European glory after winning the Europa Conference League on Wednesday.
    David Sullivan confirmed Declan Rice has played his last West Ham gameCredit: Getty
    But the final could end up being Rice’s last dance for West Ham after Sullivan confirmed he wants to leave.
    He told talkSPORT: “I think it has to be [his last game].
    “We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going.
    “You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
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    “In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.
    “It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
    “It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go.
    “You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
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    Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Rice and the Gunners are reportedly the midfielder’s preferred destination.
    Rice, 24, will likely be allowed to leave the London Stadium if a Champions League club comes in and matches the Hammers’ £100million asking price.
    Arsenal fans are eager for their club to complete a deal for the England international, who is also believed to be wanted by Manchester United and Chelsea. More

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    Arsenal fans urge club to seal Declan Rice move as West Ham hero breaks silence on transfer plans

    ARSENAL fans are pleading for Declan Rice’s arrival after the jubilant West Ham skipper spoke out on transfer rumours.The England midfielder says he will “see what happens” but for now is focused on celebrating Europa Conference League glory.
    Triumphant Declan Rice is expected to move this summer but ‘loves’ West HamCredit: Getty
    But Gunners’ supporters are more impatient, especially as some rival fans suggested Rice would be better off joining Bayern Munich.
    Jarrod Bowen’s lethal last-minute finish clinched the Hammers’ first major trophy since 1980 with a 2-1 defeat of Fiorentina.
    Rice was in tears afterwards and particularly emotional in a lengthy embrace with manager David Moyes.
    The 24-year-old then told BT Sport: “There’s a lot of speculation about my future, obviously there is interest from other clubs, that’s out there.
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    “But ultimately I’ve still got two years left at West Ham. I love this club, I love playing for this club.
    “There hasn’t been nothing yet, so my focus is playing for West Ham, enjoying tonight and seeing what happens.
    “I love this club, I’m captain of this club, I love it to pieces. Let’s just see what happens.”
    One fan responded by posting: “Next season at Arsenal lifting the Premier League.”
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    Another wrote: “Happy for Rice and West Ham, really hoping to see Rice in an Arsenal shirt next season.”
    Similar messages included: “Arsenal ahead of Bayern” and “LET’S GO. EDU GET IT DONE!!!”
    But other football enthusiasts cast doubt on who Rice will join AND his reported value.
    One argued: “If he wants to ever taste European glory again he should join Bayern.”
    A second said: “I’m still not convinced he’s worth £100m.”
    But maybe one post spoke more than others on Rice’s situation.
    It read: “Definitely time to leave, taken West Ham to success and unfortunately can’t take them much further. Time for him to leave and progress in his career.” More

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    Fiorentina ultras attack West Ham fans with fireworks, metal bars and chairs in mass brawl ahead of UECL final

    SHOCK footage shows Fiorentina ultras attacking West Ham fans with fireworks and metal bars at a pub in Prague. Black-clad hooligans in hoodies and masks can be seen hurling chairs and flares toward a pub full of Irons fans.
    Footage shows Italian fans appearing to attack a West Ham pub
    The pub was left devastated as it was hit by flares, hurled chairs and broken glass
    Czech riot police stepped in to catch the Fiorentina hooligans
    Hoolies are seen wielding bars and hurling objects at West Ham fans
    Some 20,000 West Ham fans are in Prague for the Europa Conference League final which kicks off at Slavia Prague’s Eden Arena at 9pm local time.
    Hammers supporters had been enjoying the sunshine as the club seeks to secure its first major trophy for 43 years.
    But the scenes turn nasty when a group of approximately 50 Italian hooligans began attacking the pub – which had a banner outside that read: “Forever Blowing Bubbles”.
    Footage from multiple angles shows the gang descending on the bar, hurling chairs, throwing flares and fireworks, and wielding clubs and metal bars.
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    And a loud explosion can be heard as a bright flash is seen just outside the bar amongst a group of West Ham fans.
    Smoke can be seen rising from the pub, with the street reportedly left covered in broken glass.
    Czech police in riot gear could be seen chasing down groups of hooligans as they attempted to flee.
    One eyewitness told The Sun: “The mob attacked a couple of bars before police clocked on to them.
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    “A load of undercovers got hold of them after they tried to attack another one.
    “They all tried to attack a group of West Ham, but they were quickly floored by the police. 
    “The ultras didn’t want to stay and fight anyone. It was just a load of scumbags in black throwing chairs.”
    He added: “The atmosphere has been peaceful all day and both sets of fans have got on. Fiorentina, like many European clubs, has that hardcore element and this is what we’ve seen.”
    The ultras didn’t want to stay and fight anyone. It was just a load of scumbags in black throwing chairs.Witness
    Cops confirmed they arrested 16 Italian fans after the attack on the pub in Rytířská Street.
    Journalism student Alfie Mulligan tweeted: “Just been stood in a lovely bar in Prague … 50+ Fiorentina fans come round the corner shooting fireworks, armed with batons … but looks like a war hospital.
    “Completely unprovoked. Children in the bar. I got hit by a chair. This isn’t what the final was about.”
    He added: “Shambolic scenes from the Fiorentina support. I’ve never been so scared in my life.
    “Italian ultras. More like cowards. Completely unprovoked.”
    In a statement, Czech cops said: “Italy fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar in Rytířská Street, injuring three.
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    “One policeman was also attacked.
    “We have restricted the personal freedom of 16 people and we are currently investigating the whole incident.”
    Plain clothes police detain another fan in the street after the brawl
    Czech police revealed a picture of the arrested Italian fansCredit: Police Handout More

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    Cheeky West Ham fan leaves supporters in stitches after hijacking Stansted airport PA system ahead of European final

    A CHEEKY West Ham fan hijacked the PA system at Stansted airport to deliver a message to travellers.Hammers fans from across the globe are currently flocking to Prague for Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.
    West Ham will play Fiorentina in the Europa League Conference final on WednesdayCredit: Getty
    Hammers fans from across the globe have descended on Prague for the final against FiorentinaCredit: Reuters
    One cheeky supporter hijacked the PA system at Stansted Aiport to announce to travellers that the Irons are ‘massive’Credit: Twitter / @9euroFc
    The UK’s airports have been funnelling out Irons supporters to the Czech Republic in their droves over the last few days.
    And one happy Hammer decided to share his delight at their historic cup journey with the whole airport.
    Footage of the fan grabbing the PA system and issuing an impromptu announcement started doing the rounds on social media on Monday.
    He said: “This is a staff announcement, West Ham are massive!”
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    Footie fans were quick to comment, with one saying: “Haha love it!!!”
    Another said: “Irons.”
    And another said: “A lot of feeling in that ….FFS.”
    Another chimed in: “Brilliant.”
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    One Hammers fan said: “Hahaha brilliant!!! West Ham are massive everywhere we goooo.”
    One of the lad’s pals said: “Only went for a quick wee and all of a sudden Dan’s voice is blaring through the loo tannoy.
    “FFS hahaha.”
    Hammers boss David Moyes is relishing Wednesday night’s final – which he never envisioned his troops taking part in at the start of the season.
    The Scot said: “If you’d have told anybody before I came in that we would finish sixth and seventh in the Premier League, get to the semi-final of a European competition [the 2021-22 Europa League].
    West Ham boss David Moyes never imagined his troops would be in the Europa League Conference finalCredit: AFP
    “And then the year after get to the final, they would have said, ‘No, that’s not true’.
    “There’s a lot of really good things going on and we have given lots of the West Ham supporters and the club lots of really good times.
    “Long may it continue.
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    “We want to try to keep it going, to grow it and to keep these sorts of moments happening.
    “To be in a cup final is special for West Ham. It’s been a while since we’ve been there.” More

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    Arsenal in huge Declan Rice transfer boost as Man Utd boss Ten Hag ‘turns to other priorities’

    ARSENAL have allegedly received a huge Declan Rice transfer boost.The West Ham captain, 24, looks set to depart the London Stadium this summer.
    Arsenal appear to be in pole position to sign Declan Rice from West HamCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    The Hammers are demanding at least £100million for their academy graduate, despite his current contract expiring in 2024.
    And manager David Moyes recently admitted that there is a good chance” his influential skipper could leave the club at the end of this season – with James Ward-Prowse lined up as a possible replacement.
    Arsenal and Manchester United have been long-term admirers of Rice, with the Emirates side once the favourites to land him in a club-record transfer.
    Bayern were also weighing up a move for the Hammers ace and we reported last week how the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions were preparing to step-up their pursuit of the England midfielder.
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    However, it then emerged that Rice had snubbed a move to Germany and now The Athletic have claimed that Arsenal are leading the chase.
    United have been tracking the midfielder long-term and are still “keeping abreast of Rice’s situation going into the summer”.
    But they also claim that “the fee being quoted and manager Erik ten Hag’s priorities lying elsewhere mean a turnaround is required for a formal approach from Old Trafford” to West Ham.
    Rice is currently preparing for what is expected to be his last match for the Hammers in Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.
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    Meanwhile, Ten Hag looks to be closing in on landing Mason Mount to bolster his midfield.
    The academy graduate looks set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer after reportedly agreeing terms with Man United
    The Red Devils will have to pay £70million plus add-ons if they want to sign Mount.
    Chelsea are prepared to let the England star run down the final year of his contract rather than sell him for a price below their current valuation.
    There have been talks between the two clubs after United agreed personal terms with Mount.
    But Chelsea are digging in amid interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and other clubs. More