Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist and transfer ‘insider’ Dean Jones has made a claim on Declan Rice’s future at West Ham United.
The Lowdown: Rice future rumours…
Following the Hammers’ regrettable January transfer window, reports emerged of West Ham’s star midfielder potentially leaving amid interest from big Premier League sides.
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According to The Telegraph, Man City, Man United and Chelsea are all interested in Rice and it is even believed that West Ham players fear he could be tempted to leave east London.
Sharing what he knows on the situation, Jones has now shared news from ‘somebody close’ to the player from just ‘the other day’.
The Latest: Jones makes claim…
Speaking to GMS, the journalist says, as things stand, that Rice is ‘highly unlikely’ to stay at West Ham beyond the 2021/2022 season.
“The other day I spoke to somebody close to Declan Rice and they said it’s highly unlikely he stays at West Ham beyond this season,” he explained.
“But if they secure Champions League football, then that does change things and he would be far more tempted to see things out for another season, so let’s see if that can happen.”
The Verdict: Huge few months ahead…
This claim makes it more important than ever West Ham and manager David Moyes seal a top-four finish.
Unfortunately, their lack of major signings in the winter window could make things difficult, especially given their lack of depth in certain areas – namely in the striker role.
Moyes could be reliant on striker Michail Antonio and other star men, like Jarrod Bowen, maintaining their fitness amid a congested fixture calendar.
In other news: ‘West Ham are ready’ – Journalist backs big news out of Rush Green in last 48 hours, find out more here.