Kieran Trippier makes bold Declan Rice claim amid Arsenal and Manchester United interest in West Ham captain

Kieran Trippier believes Declan Rice is a better player than both Thomas Partey and Casemiro.

Rice’s future continues to be up in the air, with it widely expected that the West Ham captain will leave the club in the summer. David Moyes though has warned it will take a British transfer record, surpassing the £107million paid for Enzo Fernandez by Chelsea.

Arsenal are believed to have made Rice their top summer priority as they look to bolster their midfield options, while both Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the 24-year-old.

Speaking after Newcastle’s draw with West Ham on Saturday, Trippier was asked by Rio Ferdinand to choose between Partey and Rice amid strong interest in the Englishman from the Gunners.

“Declan - Declan’s unbelievable,” Trippier told the Vibe with Five podcast.

“I don’t know if you watched the game the other day when we played West Ham, but just his intelligence, the way he breaks up play and how he travels with it, and how powerful he is. Unbelievable, probably one of the best in the world at what he does.”

Ferdinand then turned his attention to Man United, questioning Trippier over whether he would pick Casemiro or Rice. Once again the Newcastle right-back went with his international team-mate.

“As defenders like me or yourself, you appreciate a Michael Carrick, or what Declan does,” Trippier said.

“So it makes your job easier when they’re just mopping everything up. Don’t get me wrong, Casemiro, the trophies he’s won, the Champions Leagues, he’s a world-class player, but if you’re talking right now, Dec’s incredible.”