Bournemouth are planning on making a move for West Ham United defender Declan Rice this summer. According to recent reports, the Cherries are interested in securing the services of the Hammers’ youngster as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
Rice can be considered as one of the best young defenders in English football and at 19, he has already gained 3 international caps for the Republic of Ireland national team so far. The Irish wonder-kid was a Chelsea youth product before joining West Ham in the summer of 2015.
The arrival of Issa Diop might push Rice lower down the pecking order at the London Stadium. Some sources are now claiming that the Irish centre-back won’t be guaranteed regular first-team football under new manager Manuel Pellegrini which could pave the way for him to make a move out of East London.
Rice had made 31 appearances for West Ham last season in all competitions and at the mere age of 19, he has a lot of time to grow and take his game to the next level. However, Eddie Howe’s side are not the only ones looking to recruit the Irish starlet with Crystal Palace also keeping tabs on him.
Eddie Howe’s men had a terrific campaign last season when they managed to clinch a healthy 12th placed finish in the English top-flight. However, they are in need to recruit wisely this summer so that the Cherries can push on and secure a top-half finish in the upcoming campaign.
The potential acquisition of Rice will undoubtedly bolster Howe’s defensive options at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth have defensive talents such as Nathan Ake, Steve Cook, Simon Francis and Charlie Daniels vying for a starting berth in Howe’s first-team. The addition of Rice will improve their team significantly and add more competition for places with the Cherries squad.
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He is exactly the type of young talent who can flourish under the guidance of Eddie Howe, especially if he can secure first-team football week in week out. The Irish centre-back has a lot of potential which the Cherries could look to utilise in the coming years. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Rice and whether he ends up sealing a switch to the Vitality Stadium before the start of next season.
