Sources close to Newcastle react to Rice rumours and Toon trio going nowhere - The Telegraph
According to The Telegraph, sources at St James' Park have 'played down' suggestions we are the front-runners to sign Declan Rice - despite his name being discussed in transfer meetings on Tyneside.
The West Ham midfielder was heavily linked last week and Eddie Howe did little to deny our interest when quizzed by the press, but it seems we are keen to manage expectations when it comes to this one.
Not only would he cost north of £70m, it's believed Arsenal are the current favourites to land the England international; who is reportedly keen on a move to the Emirates now they're challenging for the title and guaranteed to be playing Champions League football next season.
Elsewhere, the same piece discusses potential outgoings this summer, accepting that certain players will be offloaded to balance the books and create space in our squad. However, The Telegraph insist that Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Sven Botman will NOT be sold, with the club making it clear that any bids would be rejected for our star trio.
Who knows; if we can follow a top-four finish with a series of exciting and ambitious signings this summer, Rice might just fancy a move to Eddie Howe's Mags!
