Declan Rice is one of several talented players dominating the transfer rumor mill, and for obvious reasons. The Englishman is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, impressing for both West Ham and the Three Lions during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which ended a week ago, and is thus garnering attention from Europe's biggest teams.
Unfortunately for the Hammers, the 23-year-old looks set to exit the London club this summer. This is according to the reliable Athletic, with the well-known news outlet writing that West Ham have accepted that a summer departure is inevitable.
However, clubs looking to sign the midfielder this January are in for bad news. Under no circumstance will David Moyes' side sanction a sale in the middle of the season.
Nonetheless, Declan's current contract runs out in 2024 and while his London employers have the option for an additional year, this looks to be the player's final campaign at the London Stadium.
But who will the Englishman join? According to the Atheltic, three Premier League giants are leading the pack, and to no one's surprise, they are three of the wealthiest clubs in the world.
Chelsea are a prominent competitor in this race. Rice has ties with the London giants, having played in the Blues' academy before being released at 14. Additionally, one of Declan's closest friends is Mason Mount and the prospect of teaming up with his buddy at Stamford Bridge might be irresistible.
The other two clubs pushing for his signature are the Manchester giants. Manchester City are in need of a midfielder given Ilkay Gundogan's situation, with the German ace's contract running out this summer. However, it will be interesting to see whether Pep Guardiola intends on playing the West Ham ace further up the pitch than usual as the no.6 role is currently occupied by Rodri and Kalvin Phillips.
And lastly, we have Manchester United. One of England's finest talents was always going to be linked with the country's biggest team. Erik ten Hag is in need of midfield reinforcement, but with the Red Devils also keeping an eye on Frenkie de Jong and 2022 FIFA World Cup breakout star Enzo Fernandez, the 20-time Premier League champions might struggle to get all their targets through the Old Trafford door.
One key factor is Rice's desire to play in the UEFA Champions League, which he openly spoke about while with the national team at Qatar 2022. However, of the three aforementioned clubs, only the Cityzens are destined to make the top four.
The Red Devils are in lovely form and have a game in hand over third-placed Newcastle and fourth-placed Tottenham. Regardless, Bruno Fernandes and Co. are in fifth and could miss out. Potter's side, on the other hand, are further down at eighth and look the likeliest to miss out on UEFA Champions League football due to their terrible form this season.
