Frank McAvennie reacts as David Moyes issues price tag claim on West Ham star 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 doesn’t believe that David Moyes latest claim on Declan Rice will scare off potential suitors for the West Ham midfielder.

Rice, 22, has been in superb form for the Irons during the 2021/22 campaign, picking up from where he left off last season, and that has only further fueled speculation that he could leave for one of the so-called Premier League big-hitters.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have been credited with an interest in the England international, and Moyes came out earlier this year to put a £100million price tag on his head.

West Ham

However, Moyes said last week (via Football Daily): “There was a bargain to be got with Declan at £100million. That bargain is now gone.”

Ex-Irons forward McAvennie thinks Moyes may be trying to ward off interest in his star man.

“Listen, he’s obviously trying to scare people away but let’s be honest, it’s not going to scare the big boys away,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone. “If they want someone, they’ll take them.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s Declan or not, the big boys, when they start splashing the money, it’s mind-boggling for these boys. I can only imagine the finances they’ve got, but fair play to them.

West Ham

“But they’re all very grounded at West Ham and I think that’s got a lot to do with David Moyes himself. He’s old school in many ways, he does his homework on people. He makes sure they’re the right people for the dressing room.

“It’s great for the club. The rumours are flying around everywhere, that’s because you’re doing well and the team’s doing well and that’s only good for West Ham. It doesn’t look good in the papers for the supporters but on the other side it means that they’re doing something right there.”

In other West Ham news, Micah Richards’ Irons admission stunned Mark Chapman & Chris Sutton this week.

Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.