Chelsea and Man Utd suffer major Declan Rice transfer blow

Chelsea and Manchester United have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of West Ham United ace Declan Rice.

Chelsea and United have placed a watchful eye on Rice, who has been one of the most coveted young players in the Premier League over the past couple of years.

The deep-lying playmaker’s eye-catching performances in the English capital have earned him a fair share of plaudits from across the Premier League.

Though he has made a name for himself at West Ham, the 22-year-old was part of the youth academy at Stamford Bridge before moving across town at the age of 14.

The Blues have already deeply regretted their decision not to give the midfield benefit of the doubt.

Indeed, Thomas Tuchel is now ready to shell out a fortune to bring the prodigal son back, with the Hammers reportedly trying to put a spanner in the works.

Rice has yet to show ambition to depart the Olympic Stadium, but the prospect of fighting for silverware could be too tempting to turn down if the opportunity presents itself.

On the other hand, West Ham are reluctant to give up their standout performer, as owner David Sullivan values his most prized asset north of £100million.

Despite generating interest from a host of Europe’s top clubs, Rice’s staggering price tag threatens to blow his suitors out of the water.

West Ham manager David Moyes, who is desperate to retain his vice-captain, maintains the club will not budge on the whopping valuation of their sought-after star.

“I do not agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer… far, far more than £100m,” he said, as relayed by the Daily Star.

“I look at the players who have joined some clubs from overseas and come in and had nowhere near the impact that Declan Rice would have.

“Also, he is English, [we have] just had Brexit, so I wouldn’t agree with the owners if Declan Rice was only £100m. No, I wouldn’t.”

Despite his young age, Rice already has 125 Premier League appearances under his belt.

The talented midfielder has also become a permanent fixture in the England national team and is expected to play a starring role in the upcoming Euro.