Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has dropped a new update on the future of Declan Rice at West Ham.
The England international’s future at the Hammers has been brought into question of late, especially given his fantastic recent form, particularly impressing for his side away at Anfield earlier this month.
With the 23-year-old’s current £60k-per-week contract currently due to expire in 2024, rumours are swirling about a possible move away from the London Stadium, while the club can still command a huge transfer fee for the midfielder.
That is the sentiment echoed by Sheth, who told GIVEMESPORT that the West Ham hierarchy knows they can hold out for a huge transfer sum for the 34-time England international. He said:
“West Ham United, make no mistake about it, they know the value of Declan Rice. They will not be selling him on the cheap.
“There’s all this talk about that it’s a done deal to Chelsea. He’s going to reunite with his best friend Mason Mount. All of that stuff, that’s been going on for years and years and years, and yet he’s still remained at West Ham United.”
Our thoughts on Sheth’s comments…
Given the fact that the Irons also retain the option of extending the captain’s deal for another year if they wish, the club currently holds all the power in the ongoing transfer saga, and they should hold out for an astronomical bid if they are to part with their midfield powerhouse.
Hammers manager David Moyes indicated back in April that he would be unwilling to sell the club’s academy graduate for less than £150m, displaying just how important he is to the club but with this unlikely to be matched, he should be willing to accept a bid of around £100m.
Performances over the past year certainly justify the desire to keep hold of the midfielder unless it’s a deal too good to turn down, with Rice displaying his defensive acumen by registering a stellar 1.86 interceptions per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 5% for midfielders in this area.
Only time will tell on whether Rice will continue to see out his prime years in the claret and blue or make that long-anticipated return to the other side of the capital.
