West Ham United will reportedly point to Jude Bellingham's expected big-money move to Real Madrid when they negotiate with clubs over a summer deal for Declan Rice.
The Hammers captain is widely expected to leave during the upcoming market, with a host of clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool, said to be keen on his signature.
West Ham can extend Rice's current deal until June 2025, but David Moyes's side have allegedly reluctantly accepted to let the England international leave this summer, providing that their valuation is met.
There have been suggestions that the 24-year-old could cost around £70m, but according to The Telegraph, West Ham will use Bellingham's expected summer switch during negotiations as a benchmark.
Real Madrid are currently the favourites to buy Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, and there have been claims that the deal could cost the Spanish and European champions as much as £130m.
Arsenal had allegedly been at the head of the queue for Rice, who has been in excellent form for West Ham this season, scoring four goals and contributing four assists in 44 appearances in all competitions.
However, a recent report claimed that Man United head coach Erik ten Hag had now made the midfielder his leading target for the summer window.
Ten Hag was allegedly hugely impressed by Rice's performance during West Ham's 1-0 win over the 20-time English champions at the London Stadium last weekend.
Rice has scored three goals and registered two assists in 34 Premier League appearances this season, with Moyes's side now seven points clear of the relegation zone.
The Englishman is also bidding to lead his side to Europa Conference League glory, with the Hammers preparing to take on AZ Alkmaar in the semi-finals of the competition.
Rice was heavily linked with a move away from West Ham last summer, but he allegedly agreed to spend one more year with the club before seeking a transfer in the upcoming market.
At one stage, Chelsea were thought to be the favourites to re-sign their former youngster, but the Blues seemingly have other priorities in the upcoming market.
The midfielder is also expected to prioritise a move to a Champions League club this summer, and the London giants will not be in Europe's leading cup competition next term.
Rice has now represented the Hammers on 239 occasions in all competitions, contributing 14 goals and 13 assists in the process, with 201 of those outings coming in the Premier League. body check tags ::
