Declan Rice rejects West Ham extension, awaits Chelsea, Manchester United bids — report

The expected saga of Declan Rice has yet materialize this summer, perhaps in large part due to the 22-year-old’s involvement at Euro 2020. But as that tournament slowly winds down and the new preseason slowly gets under way, we finally have a few signs of life.

According to a Telegraph “exclusive”, Rice has turned down not one but two new contract offers from West Ham, and is also “expected to reject any more imminent attempts”. That may seems like an odd move for a player reportedly quite underpaid, but if the idea is to entice bids from Chelsea or Manchester United, then it makes much more sense. Both clubs can offer a much higher wage than West Ham — not to mention trophy ambitions and the like.

Rice mildly agitating for a move with three years left on his contract would also be necessary to push down West Ham’s asking price. The Hammers have set their price at £100m, but the former Chelsea prospect would apparently be “disappointed” if he learned that his club were to turn down any offers above £60m. Thanks, Declan!

With United already showing strong spending intent this summer — the €85m Jadon Sancho deal is officially done as of a couple hours ago — Chelsea might have to get the money machine printing bills again to prevent Rice from falling into the wrong hands as well.