West Ham are on the verge of securing their Premier League status after pushing six points clear of the drop and, although not mathematically safe from relegation, David Moyes can afford to prepare for next term.
One stand-out performer from an otherwise disappointing campaign this season has been 19-year-old Declan Rice, who has grabbed first-team opportunities following a wealth of defensive injuries and hasn’t looked back.
After earning a senior international appearance with the Republic of Ireland last month, plenty of reports have stated the teenager is set for a huge pay-rise at the London Stadium this summer- and Claret & Hugh report that discussions are already underway.
Rice has made 11 Premier League starts this season, with a further 11 appearances coming off the bench, and has now established himself as one of the first names on the Hammers team sheet.
His role in the squad is increasingly important due to the uncertainties surrounding the current West Ham defence, with James Collins set to leave upon the expiration of his contract and speculation suggesting that Winston Reid could also be on the way out.
