By Kevin Campbell

1st Dec, 2022 | 2:32pm

Newcastle United told to spend 'serious money' on Declan Rice after come-and-get-me plea today - pundit

Kevin Campbell has refused to rule out a Newcastle United move for West Ham superstar Declan Rice next summer.

The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Magpies will have to “put down some serious money” for the 23-year-old to ignore the “big-hitters” in England and abroad.

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday (1 December) while away at the World Cup with England, Rice reaffirmed his desire to “play Champions League football and win the biggest trophies”.

Sources told Football Insider last week (23 November) that West Ham now expect to lose their captain to a Champions League club in 2023 regardless of how their season pans out.

Meanwhile, Irons insiders Claret and Hugh (17 November) claim Rice is a target for Newcastle – who want to make the England international the “cornerstone” of their project.

The Magpies sit third in the Premier League after losing just one of their first 15 games this term and are reportedly targeting a number of players ahead of the January window.

Campbell told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “They’d have to put some serious money down for Rice to ignore the more established teams.

“He’ll be a sought-after player on the world stage, and some of the big hitters will be interested.

“Newcastle are ambitious. Can you imagine him in that midfield with Bruno Guimaraes? It’d be awesome.

“The tricky part will be enticing him.

“At the moment, I can’t see it. But nearer and nearer to next summer, things could change.

“They could be a Champions League team by then, especially if they kick on and make more signings in January.”

In other news, pundit claims Newcastle United are now just like Man City after “really important” update.