‘Not for me’ - Declan Rice rejects Man Utd interest

Suraj Radia

• 14 Feb 2023 17:47 GMT
• 2 min read

West Ham captain Declan Rice was quick to brush off any connection to Manchester United after being asked about the club at the BRIT awards.

The England star was doing an interview with Amelia Dimoldenberg on the red carpet of the award show when the Youtuber asked Rice if he wanted a Man Utd mug that she had.

Rice immediately replied by saying ‘not for me, that’ in a light-hearted response that is sure to be used as a potential hint over his likely destination if he leaves West Ham this summer.

The 24-year-old is expected to be the subject of a bidding war this summer, with West Ham having previously resisted bids for Rice over the past few years.

RECORD BUY: Gunners target huge Rice bid

However, Rice will have just one year remaining on his contract in the summer and, while West Ham have an option to extend for another 12 months, they are set to cash in due to the midfielder’s refusal to sign a new deal.

Arsenal are believed to be frontrunners for Rice’s signature but Chelsea, Liverpool and United are all thought to be interested, with the Hammers set to demand a fee in excess of £70 million for their star man.

Who will Declan Rice sign for?

Rice has long been linked with a move away from his side but, despite strong interest from Chelsea, West Ham have previously refused to consider bids less than £100m.

While he has stopped short of formally requesting a transfer, Rice has been desperate to move to a club in European contention and has turned down multiple offers of an extension.

Chelsea, who released Rice from their academy as a youngster, had considered him a priority target under their previous regime but their interest has cooled somewhat since the arrival of new owner Todd Boehly.

Liverpool are prioritising Jude Bellingham this summer and will likely avoid any bidding war for Rice until their pursuit of the Dortmund man is concluded, while United are keen on a more creative midfielder after signing Casemiro last year.

NO THANKS: Rice 'not even half the player of Casemiro'

As a result, Arsenal could be given a clear path to Rice, with the Gunners searching for a long-term successor to Thomas Partey and to add to their midfield depth.