A star David Moyes wants as his Declan Rice heir is available and keen on a move but Spurs have just jumped West Ham in the queue.
Rice’s West Ham future has been the subject of much debate and incessant speculation for the last two years.
And insider reports have claimed for some time that the Hammers have privately agreed to sell the midfield talisman next summer.
Moyes turned down the chance to sign Yves Bissouma in the summer with the Mali international ended up at bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur instead.
Spurs also reportedly beat West Ham to the likes of Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie. Antonio Conte and Moyes also had concrete interest in trying to sign Filip Kostic too.
Now it seems West Ham and Tottenham are set to do battle in the transfer market once again.
Because the star David Moyes wants as his Declan Rice heir is available and keen on a move but Spurs have just jumped West Ham in the queue.
American midfield ace Weston McKennie is the man Moyes allegedly wants to replace Rice at West Ham if and when he leaves.
According to longstanding reports, Juventus and USA midfielder McKennie is the man West Ham have targeted as Rice’s eventual replacement (BeSoccer, Tuttosport, The Times).
Now it is being reported that not only are Juventus looking to sell McKennie, the player wants a move to the Premier League (Football Italia).
Great news for West Ham’s Rice succession plan then one might think? But there’s a big problem – Tottenham.
Because according to Football Italia Spurs also want McKennie and have jumped the likes of West Ham in the queue due thanks to the influence of sporting director Fabio Paratici – formerly of Juve.
“After two years with Juventus, McKennie is starting to grow unhappy and is seemingly keen for a new adventure abroad,” Football Italia reports.
“As reported by Tuttosport, McKennie wants to make the move to the Premier League and is being considered by Tottenham, whose sporting director Paratici knows Juventus well.
“The two clubs have already carried out a few deals recently, like Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur, and more could be on the horizon.
“Spurs would have to thin their midfield a little to make space for the American and rumours suggest that an offer of around €30m (£26m) could be made to bring the 24-year-old to North London.”
If McKennie truly is the man Moyes wants as his long-term Rice replacement then West Ham simply cannot allow a rival like Tottenham to beat them to his signtaure.
Considering Rice will almost certainly fetch a fee of around £100m if he is sold by the Hammers, £26m is hardly an eye-watering amount by modern standards.
With Flynn Downes already in the building for a bargain £13m, it is vital Rice is adequately replaced if and when that day comes.
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