Top Chelsea, Man Utd target has transfer preference despite rife uncertainty for next season

Top Chelsea and Manchester United target Declan Rice has a transfer preference despite uncertainty surrounding next season, it’s been claimed.

Rice has seemed destined for a move to a top six side since bursting onto the scene. However, West Ham are doing everything they can to make sure he stays at the London Stadium.

Playing Champions League football is one of the big draws for the 23-year-old. And the Hammers have turned themselves into top four contenders.

What’s more, they’ve slapped a mega price tag on him to ward off suitors.

This is now believed to be in the region of £150m, which would make him by far the most expensive British player ever.

But they may be forced to sell as his contract expiry approaches. That is currently set at 2024.

However, the club have the option to extend it by another year.

If that time comes, then Rice will not be short of options. He’s established himself as one of West Ham’s and England’s best players.

Interest so far has mostly come from Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.

West Ham price Declan Rice at £150m this summer

Declan Rice will cost £150m if any club wants to sign the midfielder from West Ham

Both the Blues and the Red Devils are in the market for a new midfield general and Rice seems like the ideal fit.

What counts is where he feels he would be best placed, though.

And according to the Evening Standard, he would still prefer a move to Chelsea despite their current crisis.

Chelsea return on Rice’s agenda

No one knows what the future holds once the Roman Abramovich era comes to an end and the keys to the Bridge are handed over.

That hasn’t put Rice off, with a return to his boyhood club, who released him aged 14, the preference.

West Ham remain eager to tie him down to a new deal. Even if they don’t finish in the top four, they could qualify for the Champions League by winning the Europa League.

But the report claims that Rice wouldn’t entertain such an offer.

Whether any club wants to stump up £150m this summer remains to be seen.

United, who are seeking a Paul Pogba replacement, could possibly push to that amount, while Chelsea can’t spend any money as it stands.

It looks most likely that a transfer battle could commence next year instead.

READ MORE: West Ham come clean on new Declan Rice fee, handing Man Utd major dilemma