‘Definitely’ - Michael Owen makes Newcastle United and Arsenal transfer claim

Former Newcastle United striker Michael Owen believes his old club will ‘definitely’ be interested in Declan Rice this summer.

The Magpies are expected to strengthen again this summer, especially if they do qualify for the Champions League. Should they land a top four spot, Eddie Howe will need a squad with greater quality and depth, with his current squad not used to competing in Europe alongside the Premier League and the domestic cup competitions.

According to The Sun, Newcastle could focus on strengthening their midfield, and West Ham star Rice is said to be of interest. Rice is reportedly being eyed by Arsenal ahead of this summer, but Newcastle are being tipped to rival the Gunners despite the deal likely costing somewhere in the region of £100million.

Given West Ham’s struggles this season and Rice’s clear quality, the England star could well secure a move away from East London ahead of next season, and former Newcastle striker Owen believes the Magpies will ‘definitely’ be interested.

“Yeah, I think Declan would make an impact in most teams, to be honest,” Owen told Aceodds. “Even Liverpool could do with someone like Declan. I think virtually every team would love to have him in their team.

“I guess it’s looking around at the teams who needs him most and who’s willing to pay and whether West Ham would sell. But I do think after this season, it’s going to be difficult for West Ham to keep him. He’s given great service and he probably wants to be competing in a team that can win trophies, can challenge and play in the Champions League etc.

“So I think there’ll be a lot of teams sniffing around Declan. Newcastle will definitely come into the equation.

“I mean it looks an upwardly mobile club and it looks like a club that you’d be excited about the future. So I’m sure he’ll have one eye on that if Newcastle are in for him. But if a team like Manchester United, or Manchester City or Liverpool are in for him, my suspicion is that those types of teams are still slightly ahead of Newcastle as we stand at the moment and that he would probably prefer to join one of those.”