Real Madrid unwilling to pay €150 million to sign Declan Rice

La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Declan Rice, but will not pay €150 million to sign the English international from West Ham United.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Declan Rice is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in the summer transfer window. But the Merengues have no intention of shelling out around €150 million to secure the services of the English international.

Declan Rice spent his formative years with Chelsea before continuing his footballing education at West Ham United. Since breaking into the first-team setup at the London Stadium half a decade ago, the 23-year-old has transformed into a defensive colossus while adding layers to his game with each passing year.

Now one of the most complete midfielders, Rice, who has turned out 37 times in all competitions in the ongoing campaign, is destined to be West Ham’s next permanent captain, taking over from Mark Noble. But several high profile clubs across Europe are keen on signing the English international in the summer transfer window, with Real Madrid one of his prospective suitors.

The interest from Real Madrid comes ahead of a potential squad overhaul in the summer transfer window. In particular, the midfield department will be addressed this year, with the first-choice trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos approaching the final phases of their respective careers.

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With Casemiro not having a viable alternative to him in the first-team squad, Real Madrid must sign a top-class holding midfielder. To that end, several players, including Aurelien Tchouameni, have emerged on their radar. But with Tchouameni heavily linked with many Premier League clubs, the Merengues will need to keep their options open.

Declan Rice has thus emerged as a target for Real Madrid, although his €150 million price tag poses a problem for them. According to Defensa Central, the Spanish giants have no intention of shelling out €150 million to snap up the 23-year-old English international.

With Erling Haaland a key target, most of Real Madrid’s budget will be focused on landing the Borussia Dortmund striker. So a €150 million move for Declan Rice seems to be out of the question, meaning Real Madrid will need to seek alternatives from the market.

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