Declan Rice is set to leave West Ham. (Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Newcastle United fear Declan Rice’s wage demands will rule them out of a move for the West Ham captain.

The England international is set to leave the London Stadium this summer, and West Ham will reluctantly let him go.

However, the Hammers want around £100m for the 24-year-old and they expect the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal to compete for his signature.

Both Erik ten Hag and Mikel Arteta are huge admirers of Rice, and they can offer the midfielder Champions League football next term.

Rice could command wages of around £300,000-a-week (Credits: Getty Images)

But, having sealed a top four spot on Monday night, Newcastle can offer Rice the same and he’d be an even bigger fixture in the Magpies’ side than he would at the Emirates or Old Trafford.

Eddie Howe wants to sign players to go straight into the starting XI and the Magpies could afford West Ham’s asking price.

However, Rice will command wages of around £300,000-a-week and he would instantly become the club’s top earner.

Newcastle are wary of Financial Fair Play regulations and while there’s more relaxation over spending, salaries are a different matter.

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He’s a target.