Manchester United were reported to have opened the bidding for West Ham United star Declan Rice.
Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini seems to have talked up the potential sale of new hero Rice.
The comments came just days after the midfielder’s England debut.
And they left supporters feeling anxious over their new star’s future at the club.
Pellegrini’s comments spark Rice speculation
“In that case, as always, it is just a matter of price,” Pellegrini told the gathered media, as reported by the likes of The Guardian – and understandably just about every other media outlet since.
Journalist makes Manchester United bid claim
In the wake of Pellegrini’s comments, journalist Nicolo Schira claimed new Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already lined up an opening bid of £34.5million as he targets ‘the best of British’ in his Old Trafford overhaul.
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Schira said Manchester United have made Rice their first priority.
“Manchester United are really interested in signing Declan Rice from West Ham for the next season,” Schira said on Twitter.
“First contacts ongoing between Red Devils and Hammers. Manchester United’s first bid is €40m (£34.5m).”
But a new report from Football Insider has rejected that claim while revealing the asking price West Ham have supposedly set.
Insider report rebuffs claim but names asking price
“A West Ham source has told Football Insider that, contrary to reports, Manchester United have not tabled a bid for Rice amid suggestions a £35million offer has been tabled,” Football Insider reports.
“The source claimed that West Ham do not want to sell Rice. (They) are eager to build their team around him over the coming years. But (they) accept that all their players have a price that they do not have the resources to turn down.
“Privately, the West Ham hierarchy would be willing to sell Rice this summer. (But only) if a £70million bid is tabled for the rising star.”
Reassuringly for West Ham fans Rice seems perfectly happy where he is in an interview with BT Sport at the weekend.
The midfield enforcer told BT Sport he is loving life with the Hammers despite the swirling transfer speculation, as reported by the likes of The Sun.
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