Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has claimed that West Ham United captain Declan Rice does not influence the game enough to warrant a huge transfer fee.
Rice has been looked at by the Reds as an option to address their lack of depth in central midfield. MEN Sport understands that Erik ten Hag would be open to move for Frenkie de Jong and Jude Bellingham in the future.
This interest has caused some to revisit Rice who has since taken on the captaincy at the London Stadium. Hammers manager David Moyes has previously mentioned a figure of £150m will be needed to allow Rice to leave West Ham.
ALSO READ: Souness explains what sets Casemiro apart from Rice
However, with the 24-year-old's contract being set to expire in 2024, Moyes may not be able to command that fee especially considering signs of a new deal for the England international are thin on the ground. Speaking to OLBG, Yorke claimed that clubs should be avoiding big sums for Rice anyway.
He explained: "David Moyes has said Declan Rice would break the transfer record because he's seen how much Chelsea have signed Enzo Fernandez for. Rice is an English product so Moyes has to big him up, you can't let all the foreigners come and take the limelight.
"Rice is a good player but he does not influence the game enough at a top level for me, I would not say he is as tremendous as everyone makes him out to be. With the market we're in, Rice will have a similar fee to Fernandez, we've seen prices like that on English players like Jack Grealish."
West Ham's captain has made 28 appearances for his club this season but they have struggled for form and are currently in the midst of a relegation battle.
Win a pair of tickets to the Premier League or Women's Super League match of your choosing! Enter below. CLICK HERE
READ NEXT:
