---
title: "Newcastle: Magpies backed to seal Declan Rice signing"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-premier-league-declan-rice-transfer-news-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Newcastle United News"
published: "2023-02-04T07:35:28Z"
modified: "2023-02-04T07:35:28Z"
---

# Newcastle: Magpies backed to seal Declan Rice signing

**[Newcastle United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/) could complete the signing of West Ham and England star [Declan Rice](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/tag/declan-rice/) this summer, according to former top flight goalkeeper Paul Robinson.**

### The Lowdown: Rice linked with Newcastle move

The 24-year-old has blossomed into one of the most impressive midfielders in the [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) in recent years, also becoming an undisputed key man for England.

It looks increasingly likely that Rice will exit West Ham at the end of this season, with a bigger challenge required for a footballer of his elite current standing.

Newcastle have been [linked](https://www.hammers.news/news/report-makes-big-claim-about-newcastle-united-and-declan-rice-ahead-of-the-summer-transfer-window/) with a move for the Englishman in the past and they could return for him in the summer.

### The Latest: Robinson backs signing

Speaking to [*Football Insider*](https://www.footballinsider247.com/newcastle-united-backed-to-win-race-to-sign-declan-rice-after-sources-reveal-pundit/), [*Sky Sports*](https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12599291/paul-robinson-leeds-survival-destiny-is-in-their-own-hands) pundit Robinson said he could see a scenario where Rice opts to move to St James’ Park:

> “I could see Rice at Newcastle. I think it is an attractive project for any player right now.
>
> “Rice looks like he is going to leave in the summer. He is not going to sign a new contract so West Ham will have to cash in at some point.
>
> “There is a lot of talk surrounding him and Arsenal but Arsenal have just signed Jorginho. If Newcastle get European football, I think that would be enough of a pull.
>
> “Everyone can see the way the club is going. The wages will not be a problem. They can offer Rice everything that he wants. I think Newcastle would be a very tempting proposition for Declan Rice come the summer.”

### The Verdict: Game-changing addition

Rice could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle, proving to be a significant upgrade on someone like Sean Longstaff, even though the latter has been excellent this season.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“418867″\]

The West Ham captain has averaged [2.3 tackles](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/332325/Show/Declan-Rice) per game in the league this season – Longstaff is averaging [1.2](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/342811/Show/Sean-Longstaff) – and he could be a player who takes the Magpies to that next level, ranking highly in a number of key metrics for midfielders, including interceptions, clearances and pass completion ([FBRef](https://fbref.com/en/players/1c7012b8/Declan-Rice)).

Rice would cost huge money, without question – he has been [described](https://m.allfootballapp.com/news/EPL/Joe-Cole-likens-Declan-Rice-to-Steven-Gerrard-as-pundit-lavishes-praise-on-West-Ham-star/2716707) as a ‘top, top player’ by Joe Cole – but the funds are there for Newcastle to spend big and Champions League qualification would only further their chances of snapping him up.