West Ham are set for a crucial recruitment drive this summer as they seek to bolster their underperforming squad and defence is likely to be a key area of their focus.
The Hammers have struggled for consistency at the back this season, enduring a wealth of injury problems, and their ranks have been depleted following the sale of Jose Fonte to China earlier this year, whilst James Collins is rapidly approaching the end of his contract.
Those issues have seen 19-year-old defender Declan Rice thrusted into the first-team frame this season and West Ham are pleased with his performances, ready to hand the Republic of Ireland international a new deal, but Football.London state David Moyes is still eyeing at least two defensive recruits.
However, those new arrivals will not necessarily bring the end to Rice’s time in the first-team as it’s understood they will be drafted in to improve the club’s depth and competition, which may lead to better performances from Rice himself.
Signed from Chelsea in 2014, West Ham are hoping the 19-year-old defender will have a bright future at the London Stadium.
