Declan Rice is reportedly ‘open’ to joining Bayern Munich this summer after holding a positive conversation with Thomas Tuchel.
Rice is expected to be one of the big-money movers this summer, with a whole host a clubs interested in his services following another impressive season for West Ham.
Arsenal, Chelsea and both Manchester clubs have been linked with the Hammers’ skipper, while recent reports have credited Bayern Munich with an interest.
West Ham are said to value Rice at around £100 million, with the club holding an option to extend his current deal – which expires in 2024 – by a further year.
According to Sky Germany, Rice has now held talks with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel regarding a potential move to Bavaria, with the midfielder ‘top of the list’ for the Bundesliga champions.
They say that the pair had a ‘good talk’ in recent days, with the 41-cap England international ‘open’ to making the move to the German giants.
❗️News #Rice: There was a phone call with #Tuchel a few days ago! Been told it was a good talk. Both appreciate each other. Rice is open to join Bayern & Tuchel. FCB wants to intensify their efforts now. He’s still a transfer target.
But: Time is running as he could sign for… pic.twitter.com/ShJcBHCrf4
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 29, 2023
As for the player, he has insisted that talks about his future are just ‘noise and speculation’, with West Ham currently preparing for their Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina next week.
“I’ve not really focused on any of that, to be honest,” said Rice when asked about a summer move.
“My main focus this season, from the World Cup onwards, has been getting us out of a relegation battle and, of course, having one eye on winning this trophy.
“Everything else is just noise and speculation. Obviously, I can’t help that, it comes with playing. But my main focus is playing for West Ham and winning this final. My heart’s set on that, doing it for the club, for my family, for the fans and that’s my only focus. I want to make them all very happy and my focus is on doing that.”
