The Northern Echo report that Newcastle are desperate to ‘hold talks’ with Declan Rice, hoping to sell our ambitious project to the West Ham midfielder – despite the ‘financial barriers’ that would make a deal difficult.
Rice is one of Europe’s hottest properties at present – Arsenal lead the race at present and are preparing a £90m bid – but Newcastle clearly feel he would be the perfect addition to our midfield ranks.
Following last night’s Europa Conference League win, the 24-year-old – thought to be a dream signing of Eddie Howe’s – is expected to leave the Hammers on a high, with a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place that allows him to leave.
However, it remains to be seen if we’d break our wage structure for the England star. Our current set up sees top earners take home around £120,000-per-week, yet Rice is thought to be demanding around £250,000 a week. That alone highlights the reality of our task, not to mention the club-record fee he’d require.
With the West Ham captain living in London his whole life and Arsenal showing serious interest to keep him in the capital, we also have a job on our hands convincing him to leave home for the North East.
The odds are stacked against us, but the club are clearly eager to speak with the player and his representatives, allowing us to sell the ambitious project on offer at St James’ Park.
If you don’t ask, you don’t get it. I can’t see us spending this much on one player or smashing our wage structure to pieces, although we might just appeal to Rice should the Gunners opt for Moises Caicedo instead?
Not a chance Andrew!
If you don’t know by now PIF will not be held to ransom.
The guy wants to go to Arsenal and he won’t have to up sticks.
Joseph(Quote)