Man Utd handed slap in the face over pursuit of West Ham star – ‘he is gonna stay’

Former West Ham striker Carlton Cole is confident Declan Rice will remain at the London Stadium instead of joining Manchester United, citing one key reason.

Rice, 23, is one of West Ham’s most influential players. He regularly captains the side as Mark Noble struggles to get into the starting eleven.

Rice is now one of the hottest properties in England football. Sources claim Manchester United, City, Liverpool and Chelsea are all keeping tabs on him.

In response to this, the Hammers have put a huge price tag on his head. According to the Daily Mail, it stands at £150million. A move for this price would see the midfield enforcer become the most expensive British player ever.

West Ham hope their own ambitions will keep the England international around. They are fighting for Champions League qualification and are also in the Europa League quarter-final.

David Moyes’ side are two points behind the Red Devils in the Prem, having played a game more. But Cole thinks West Ham will overtake them, and Rice will stay as a result.

He said (via the Daily Mail): “Where is he going? I just can’t see him going anywhere and [clubs] affording the price.

“I don’t think Chelsea can do it at the moment for obvious reasons for this season.

“Where else is he going to go? Man United? No, they aren’t in a good place at the moment either. Why go to Man United when you can stay at West Ham?

“We’ll finish above Man United and what are you gonna say then? Nothing, you can’t just go and get our best players.

“We’ll finish above Man United and no one is going to say anything. He is gonna stay at the best club possible.

“Especially if they bring somebody else in that compliments his style. You’ve got [Tomas] Soucek there, bring another striker in and