Rio Ferdinand has told Chelsea exactly why Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice cannot pull into the hands of Manchester United. The two England internationals have been heavily linked with moves to top-flight Premier League side after having become some of Europe's most coveted midfielders.
According to Goal, Jurgen Klopp is a fan of Borussia Dortmund youngster. However, it's said that Liverpool are aware of the 'fierce' competition that could arise, with Chelsea among several potential suitors lurking in the shadows.
The report adds that the west Londoners have lodged interest of their own in Bellingham, who sees his contract with the German giants expire in 2025. However, Dortmund could outline a £100m asking price. Meanwhile, Rice has attracted plenty of interest of his own.
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The 23-year-old West Ham star has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge of late, though the Hammers seem unwilling to surrender the signature of their prized asset. Rice topped the west London side's shortlist in the summer, but a move was delayed after a £100 million evaluation was tipped too 'steep', according to The Athletic.
But now, following a series of imperious displays for the Hammers, David Moyes has since insisted it would take £150million for the midfielder to depart the London Stadium. The east London side's vice-captain, who was released from Cobham at the age of 14, sees his contract in east London expire in two years, though West Ham do have the option to extend that by a further 12 months should they look to retain his services.
So, with the clock ticking, the pair facing an increasingly uncertain future and clubs beginning to queue up, Ferdinand has explained on FIVE why the duo are such lucrative assets in future windows to come.
"(He) plays well beyond his years, has character, intelligence, integrity, you can trust him on the pitch, he makes demands," said the former United defender, speaking of Bellingham. "I’ve watched him closely, he demands of other people at a young age, all these characteristics that I feel Man United need.
"Again, I’m going away from, regardless if he’s got the technical ability, which I think he has, I don’t even look at that too much, I look at the character they’re the reasons I’m buying you. The other stuff, the football stuff is brilliant, yeah, and you’ve got to have a certain level of that - I understand - but the overriding factor is the character. Them two (Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice) are the standouts in that sense."
Ferdinand added by detailing why Rice too is being monitored by several top-flight clubs, including Chelsea and United. "He brings to us an element I think has been lacking at Man United and I think his leadership and, for one so young, he’s going to be 24 this summer, his leadership and character.
"That’s not to (say) he hasn’t got the ability, the kids got ability, he’s improving every single season you’ve seen him, he’s added bits to his game. Last year he added goals, the ability to drive with the ball from midfield, he’s defensively getting more acute and more understanding of the game, an absolute sponge of the game, educating himself all the time, always asking questions, always wants to know x, y and z - that’s the type of player, the type of character that Man United need in their squad."
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