Fabrizio Romano has tipped West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice to leave the club in the summer.
Rice has been on the books with West Ham since 2013, with the 23-year-old playing over 200 times for the Hammers in that time.
The likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with the player, but GiveMeSport has reported that the Blues is his most likely destination.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said that Rice is ‘one to watch’ as he expects him to make a ‘big move’ – though it would most likely happen in the summer.
He stated: “At the moment, there is a feeling around the player and around the club that in the summer, probably – [it is] difficult in January – there is a chance for Declan Rice to make a very big move to a top, probably English club.
“Declan Rice will be one to watch; at the moment, it’s too early to say where he will end up many clubs are interested.
“We know [for a] long time that Man United, Chelsea, Man City, many clubs have always been tracking Declan Rice. but it’s still [a] long way to go. West Ham will fight as always to keep the player.”
TIF Thoughts on Romano’s comments…
We believe that it’s no surprise that Rice is linked with a move from some big clubs, but it would be a devastating blow for West Ham.
The 23-year-old has proven himself to be a great passer of the ball, as he ranks in the top 5% for passes completed when compared to other midfielders in Europe’s top competitions from the past year (FBref).
Furthermore, he possesses a strong ability to read the game he ranks in the top 7% for interceptions.
The only positive that can really come from the sale of Rice is the potential price the Hammers get for him, with his value previously quoted at around £150m.
Whilst we don’t think that price will be met, the Hammers could well get a handsome fee for him that they can use to rebuild their entire squad.