Real Madrid 'interested in signing Declan Rice next summer'

Real Madrid are reportedly ready to explore bringing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice to Bernabeu during next summer's transfer window.

There was a host of speculation surrounding the England international's future during the recent transfer window, but West Ham's £150m valuation priced interested parties out of a deal.

Rice has again been a vital player for David Moyes's side this season, making 20 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists in the process.

The 23-year-old has a contract at the London Stadium until June 2024, and the Hammers do have the option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months, placing them in a strong position when it comes to his future.

However, it is believed that Rice will push for a move away from West Ham over the summer, with Liverpool and Chelsea both said to be interested in his signature.

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Manchester United and Manchester City are also said to be admirers, with the pair potentially moving for Rice if they are unsuccessful in their attempts to sign Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.

According to El Nacional, Real Madrid are also interested in Rice, with Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti determined to bring the Englishman to the Spanish capital.

The report claims that Ancelotti has urged club president Florentino Perez to do everything necessary to win the race for his signature during next summer's transfer window.

Real Madrid spent big on Aurelien Tchouameni during the recent market, but they sold Casemiro to Manchester United late in the window.

Meanwhile, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Dani Ceballos are all out of contract next June, which is likely to lead to at least one new midfielder moving to Bernabeu ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

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Real Madrid's main target is still thought to be Bellingham, who lined up alongside Rice in the middle of the England midfield for their World Cup opener against Iran.

However, the competition for Bellingham is intense, and Rice is allegedly viewed as a serious alternative to the former Birmingham City youngster.

Rice - also said to be attracting the attention of Bayern Munich - has made 215 appearances for West Ham in all competitions, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists in the process.

The former Chelsea youngster now has experience in Europe in the shape of the Europa League and Europa Conference League, but he is believed to be determined to make the move to a club that is in the mix for the major honours, including the Champions League.