Gary Neville Makes Declan Rice Claim by Citing Manchester United’s £80 Million Exit in 2009

Declan Rice has risen to stardom quickly, which is the same reason why he is a player of great demand. The English midfielder has rejected yet another contract extension at West Ham United, shedding light on the eventual departure. Although David Moyes is adamant about letting him go, Gary Neville has used an example of United’s highest goalscorer this season as to how the club can handle the departure of the player.

The West Ham graduate has been a part of the club ever since he was handed his first-team appearance back in the 2016/17 season. From the following season, he became an integral part of the squad and eventually became a wanted midfielder thanks to his brilliant performances.

However, despite being a long time member of the squad, Rice has indicated his intentions of playing for a bigger club. West Ham have been trying to get him to sign the new contract but the player simply keeps rejecting it. The latest reports suggest that he has rejected yet another one, which was the third contract put on the table.

Former United player Gary Neville has claimed that the speculations regarding the player’s future will not harm the club in any manner as many have accepted the fact that their star player will be leaving the club in the next two years. His current contract stands until 2024, and West Ham will definitely not let him go for free. And if the player refuses to sign a new contract, the club will entertain bidders starting this summer.

Chelsea And Manchester United in the Mix For Declan Rice’s Signature

Manchester United are a long time pursuer of the 23-year-old midfielder. Although it hasn’t led to anything so far, the probability could increase in the coming summer. Erik ten Hag was appointed the new manager by the club this week, and according to reports, he is given a £200 million purse for the revamp. With many players set to leave, the Dutchman would want some talented youngsters to fill it and Rice could be a player of interest.

However, United will be having competition from Chelsea for him. The Blues are also in the mix for his signature, and they could have an upper hand as Rice was an academy player at Chelsea before moving to West Ham. Although the seriousness of the interest depends on how their sanction plays out, they will not make it easy for the rivals.

With all the interests coming in, David Moyes has gone on record and stated how important he is to him. Because of this, he has mentioned that any clubs keen on his signature will have to start bidding at a colossal £150 million. Although it might be an attempt from the manager to pry away bidders as he is well aware that no one will be willing to splash that much sum.

However, this could backfire immensely. Transfers of this magnitude can create troubles between the player and the manager. While the manager might get what he wants, the player will be discontented if his dream move doesn’t happen.

While speaking to Sky Sports, Gary Neville shared his insight as to why this commotion could be a friendly one. He said, “Declan Rice, we know he’s going to leave in the next year or two. Because of the relationship, I think they can be really mature about this. I don’t think it has to be played out in the media.

They can be really direct, honest and then communicate what they’re going to do. I don’t think there’s any reason to allow the speculation to destroy the dressing room spirit.”

Neville then compared this situation to that of Cristiano Ronaldo when he left for Real Madrid in 2009. Ronaldo’s exit was known to the whole world a year prior to the move, but Gary Neville explained how the situation was handled without negatively impacting the squad.

“When Cristiano [Ronaldo] left Man United the first time, it didn’t have an impact on the club because everyone knew what was happening. There was no sort of wondering what was happening, there was no speculation,” continued Neville.

 I think West Ham and Declan Rice could afford to do that with this one because everyone recognises that it’s probably going to happen anyway.”