BAYERN MUNICH’S interest in signing Declan Rice has seemingly been confirmed in a major blow to Manchester United and Arsenal.
The West Ham captain, 24, looks set to depart the London Stadium this summer.
Bayern Munich’s interest in Declan Rice is mounting
The Gunners and the Red Devils have been long-term admirers of Rice, with the Emirates side once the favourites to land him in a club-record transfer.
However, we reported how Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel was also weighing up a move for the Hammers ace.
And now Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg has provided an update on Bayern’s pursuit of the star.
He tweeted: “Internally it is said that the poker has begun now!
“Tuchel and the bosses want him as reported and he’s one of the targets who’s top on the list.
“Been told that Bayern could pay the price package demanded!”
Although he did add that their move is “not advanced yet” as it is still unclear what is Rice’s preferred move just yet.
Tuchel and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic are working on a plan to overhaul the Bayern squad this summer.
And they identified Rice as a suitable option in holding midfield.
Tuchel came up against Rice during his time as Chelsea boss and believes he has the quality to slot into the Bavarians’ team chasing the Champions League trophy.
West Ham are demanding at least £100million for their academy graduate, despite his current contract expiring in 2024.
Bayern’s record transfer fee is the £68m they paid for Lucas Hernandez.
And that could prove a boost for the Premier League sides still keen on landing Rice, especially if they can offer Champions League football.
Hammers boss David Moyes admitted last week there is a “good chance” his influential skipper could leave the club at the end of this season – with James Ward-Prowse lined up as a possible replacement.
