Frank McAvennie sends stern warning to West Ham over Declan Rice
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes West Ham have to be careful with Declan Rice after his performances in the Euros for England.
The 22-year-old midfielder has recently rejected a new contract with the Hammers and then played in every game for England as they got to the final of the Euros [the Guardian].
The links with Manchester United and Chelsea have not gone away, and the former Hammers striker has warned his former club to act quickly and seal a new deal for Rice.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, he said: “He has already knocked back two contracts; if you don’t give him the contract he deserves; he is going to go.
“He’s done brilliantly; he hasn’t let the club down; he has been a credit to his club and his country.
“If you don’t pay him what he’s, worth then he’s going to go.
“If you want to keep Declan Rice, you’ve got to pay the money for him.
“I would love to see him stay, even if it’s just for one more year.“
Hard to disagree
Ultimately Rice has proved in both in the Euros and last season that he is more than good enough to be earning a bumper wage.
It seems as if the Hammers might be coming round to that way of thinking as well, with the Sun claiming that West Ham are set to give Rice a huge new deal after shedding Felipe Anderson from the wage bill.
McAvennie makes a very good point, though, and if the Hammers want to keep their star man, they have to come up with a wage that matches his value to them.
If not, could anyone begrudge Rice for leaving? We don’t think so, but hopefully, it won’t come to that, and the 22-year-old will sign a new deal soon to end all of this speculation about him.
McAvennie makes a very good point here about Rice, and it is now down to the club to thrash out a deal.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are set to use Felipe Anderson’s wage very wisely.
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