West Ham sporting director Mark Noble has lauded Declan Rice as one of the best midfielders in the world amid transfer interest from Liverpool.
Speaking on the Football News Show, the former Hammers captain lauded the 24-year-old England international after growing reports that Rice will leave West Ham this summer, with Noble set to play a key role in the midfielder’s future.
There is a growing expectation that Rice will depart the east London side despite guiding them to another European semi-final and fighting off relegation under David Moyes, and according to the Mirror, Liverpool are keen to add the West Ham skipper to their ranks.
Having missed out on Jude Bellingham, Rice would be a sensational alternative for Liverpool despite the reported £100m asking price West Ham are set to demand for the midfielder, and according to Noble, his captain successor is already one of the best in the world in his position.
Noble said about Rice: “He’s a monster on the pitch. He’s one of the best in the world at what he does. Off the pitch he’s as comfortable playing computer games with my son as he is playing in a European cup final. I text his Dad saying I’m glad people have said that as he’s got such a big heart, he’s so nice to everyone.”
Noble knows Liverpool won’t be able to afford Rice this summer
Rice is firmly one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and arguably in world football, and whilst Liverpool could have the funds if they stretched their resources thin enough for the West Ham man, Noble knows that the Reds will struggle to match the east London side’s demands.
With the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United also in contention for Rice, there’s already a growing sense that the England international will join another English rival that isn’t Liverpool, and this could be a killer blow for the Reds in their hopes of claiming top-four next season.
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