West Ham United are reportedly considering lowering their asking price for star midfielder Declan Rice.
90 min report that the Hammers may entertain offers of £50m for the 22-year-old, a significant drop from the £80m fee they placed on Rice in the summer.
The reasoning behind a possible price drop is alleged to be due to the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen club revenues slashed due to the loss of matchday income in the absence of fans in the stands.
Although understandable in the current climate, it seems peculiar timing from the West Ham board considering Rice’s game has improved noticeably on the field.
The England midfielder has become club captain this season, with David Moyes handing duties over to Rice in place of ageing colleague Mark Noble.
All things considered, the player’s stock is rising in East London and although West Ham could do with some funds to reinvest in a thin playing squad, a cut-price deal for a prized asset may be worth reconsidering.
It is extremely unlikely that Rice will leave West Ham this month, but amidst links to Manchester United and Chelsea in recent weeks, it remains to be seen whether he is still playing in Claret and Blue this time next season.
