West Ham are ‘braced’ for bids for Declan Rice this summer with three Premier League clubs interested in signing the England midfielder.
Rice has developed into one of the Premier League’s leading midfielders since breaking into the side at West Ham and has captained David Moyes’ team in their pursuit of a top-four finish and Champions League football this term.
The Hammers are keen to tie the 23-year-old down to a new contract, though Rice has rejected two offers from the club after making clear his ambition to win trophies and play Champions League football.
The Telegraph are reporting that West Ham’s lack of transfer business in January has increased optimism amongst Premier League rivals that Rice can be prised from the London Stadium this summer.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are all interested in signing the midfielder and believe the Hammers’ failure to invest this winter could prove costly in the club’s bid to gatecrash the top four.
West Ham are fifth at present, but lack the depth of their top-four rivals and are attempting to compete on multiple fronts with the club’s Europa League knockout stage campaign set to begin next month.
Should the club’s bid for Champions League football fail, it is expected that there will be significant interest in a player that West Ham value in excess of £100m.
Rice has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract and the Hammers possess an option to extend his deal for a further season.
