According to transfer insider Dean Jones (via Give Me Sport), it is ‘extremely hard to see’ midfielder Declan Rice remaining a West Ham player next season.
The Lowdown: January’s disappointment
Irons fans were left fuming after the club failed to bring in any fresh faces during the January window, as it became increasingly clear that the squad could do with bolstering their options in a number of positions. This is particularly the case in attack, where Michail Antonio remains the only recognised senior striker at the club.
It was claimed that the east London club were actively pursuing various options in January. David Moyes admitted that West Ham “probably made three record transfer bids” throughout last month, as quoted by the Evening Standard.
However, these last-ditch attempts proved to be unsuccessful, sparking outrage amongst supporters and concern in the club’s race for a top four finish and Champions League qualification.
This has also now ignited the feeling that Rice may seek a move away from the London Stadium in the summer.
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The Latest: Jones thinks Rice will leave
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have identified Rice as their ‘principal midfield target’ for the summer’s transfer window.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones has weighed in on this claim, saying: “It’s extremely hard to see that (Rice remaining a West Ham player next season) at this moment in time.”
The Verdict: Can’t allow it
According to SofaScore match ratings, Rice has been the Irons’ best player in the Premier League this season, and by some distance too. He has averaged a 7.25/10 rating, just one of five Hammers players to exceed 7/10.
Having appeared in every game bar one this season in the English top flight, it is imperative that Moyes and everyone at West Ham does everything they can to keep Rice at the club, as he is clearly a ‘priceless’ asset.
The Scotsman believes that the 23-year-old is ‘worth more than £100m’, so it should take a mammoth bid to push the Irons into accepting an offer, and if they have any serious ambitions about challenging the ‘big six’ going forward, they should still have some thinking to do even if a £100m+ bid arrives.
Ultimately, it may all depend on how desperate Rice is to leave the club in the summer.
In other news: Pete O’Rourke insists Hammers will try to sign Jesse Lingard