Nigel Winterburn agrees with West Ham United’s valuation of Declan Rice while suggesting he would suit Manchester United more than other clubs.
Declan Rice’s move away from West Ham could happen as soon as next summer, with the midfielder primed to play for one of the bigger Premier League sides. Having cemented his place in Gareth Southgate’s England midfield, the Hammers’ star would now be looking for an upgrade in club football.
The 22-year-old is already eyed by top clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea, but West Ham’s huge asking price could become a sticking point. There were suggestions that Rice wanted to move in the summer, but interested clubs were not willing to pay up the fee demanded.
However, when money could be available next summer due to improved finances, Manchester United or Chelsea could look to sign him. With a contract until 2024, with the club holding an option to extend it by another year, West Ham have the right to be adamant on their valuations, leaving interested clubs no choice but to pay up.
The midfielder did address speculation surrounding his future recently, but things could still move. Chelsea are looking for long-term solutions in midfield, and Rice fits the bill. Manchester United, too, want to bring in a top draw midfielder who could bring years of quality in the central areas, with their current options not considered up to the club’s standards by many.
Former Arsenal star Nigel Winterburn, who also played for West Ham in his late playing days, suggested Manchester United would benefit more from signing Rice than Chelsea or others. Some of his quotes featured on The Express, as he gives his approval on West Ham’s valuation of the midfielder.
Winterburn said, “£90million is a huge amount of money for Declan Rice – it’s crazy money, but it’s a fair valuation. Rice has proved himself recently and enhanced his reputation. There’s been a lot of speculation about him moving, but it hasn’t fazed him, and he’s just got on with his job.
“The time will come for him to move on, and I’d be amazed if one of the big clubs in the Premier League is not in for him straight away when they realise he’s available. Potentially even major clubs abroad too. It depends on what Declan wants to do, but I’d guess he’d want to stay in the Premier League,”
“I’m not sure about Manchester City signing him, but whether Manchester United or Chelsea want to move for him, all depends on his availability and if it’s the right time for the club. I can see him suiting United because they’ve got an abundance of attacking talent but are often caught wide open defensively. He would be the perfect fit. Whether United have got another £90m is another matter.”
Wherever Rice decides to go, he certainly has shown his quality to become a top player for many years in the Premier League. However, the asking price will still complicate matters for interested clubs, be it Chelsea or Manchester United, although both can splash that kind of money.
