David Moyes claims potential suitors will need ‘humongous money to get close’ to Declan Rice this summer – as Hammers boss says midfielder’s previous £100m price-tag was ‘cheap’
- David Moyes expects Declan Rice to remain a West Ham player through summer
- Rice, who’s garnered interest from top clubs, still has two years on his contract
- Former United boss claimed that Rice’s previous £100m price-tag was ‘cheap’
- Moyes has warned potential buyers that they will need ‘humongous money’
David Moyes said he expected Declan Rice to remain a West Ham player for years to come and dismissed the theory that no new recruits in January was down to a lack of ambition.
Hammers’ boss Moyes hailed 23-year-old Rice as the best midfielder in Europe, and warned interested buyers it will take an extortionate fee to tempt them to sell the England international with two more years on his contract, with West Ham having the option to extend it for another year.
‘You’ll need humongous money to get close,’ said Moyes ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Kidderminster Harriers.
David Moyes has warned potential buyers that they will need ‘humongous money’ to get Rice
Declan Rice has shone for the Hammers and is being valued in excess of £100million
‘In the summer, I thought Declan Rice was £100million. That was the sales. That was your chance to get him cheap.
‘He’s like a special edition. For me, he’s probably the best midfield player in Europe.
‘He’s here for certainly a few years. He’s under contract and we are pleased to have him.’
The England international still has two years on his contract remaining at the London Stadium
In the transfer window, West Ham’s attempts to sign Jesse Lingard ended when Manchester United decided to keep him at Old Trafford.
West Ham were also linked with a £37m bid for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
‘The board were terrific,’ said Moyes. ‘They made funds available but we couldn’t get a couple of players I liked, so would rather save the money.’