Chelsea and Manchester United have been given fresh incentive to sign Declan Rice with Teddy Sheringham calling him the “best midfielder in the world”.
The 23-year-old West Ham United star was released by the Blues as a teenager. However, ever since he broke through into the first-team at the London Stadium, he has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Rice continues to be linked with a return to Chelsea, as well as a move to Manchester United – who are said to be very keen on the England international.
Now, if needed at all, Sheringham has given both clubs even more incentive to sign Rice, with the midfielder being named “the best in the world” in his position.
Speaking to Lord Ping, the former England striker said: “It’s going to be hard [to keep him]. I spoke to West Ham supporters and said, ‘he is the best midfielder in the world at the moment’.
“I rate him highly. He’s got everything a central midfielder needs. He understands the game, he’s got good pace, he can control the ball, pass it, make good tackles and get forward.
“He has the stature of Steven Gerrard in midfield – he’s that dominant now that even when he’s getting closed down, he’s got good pace and power about him that he can get away from midfielders. That’s very unusual to have that in a central midfield position.
“[Declan would be an upgrade on Paul Pogba] because Declan is the best midfielder in the world. Pogba is a talented boy, but leads with the wrong character.
“He doesn’t inspire people around him, he doesn’t inspire his supporters around him whereas someone like Declan does. You want to roll with him, the way he plays the game.”
West Ham boss David Moyes said in October of last year that any possible suitors for Rice missed out on a “bargain” signing of £100million for the midfielder.
Moyes, when speaking to Sky Sports, said: “There was a bargain to be got with Declan at £100million. That bargain has now gone.
“We have a lot of really good players at this football club and I think while you’re building and developing I think people might always come and look at your players.
“But it is good that they are because that is telling us that they are doing well.”
football.london understands that West Ham’s stance on Rice remains the same as last summer: the Hammers will not entertain any offers for their star midfielder.