Pundit shares what he’s heard about Gold and Sullivan selling West Ham United as £70m player news emerges
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 expects West Ham to be under new ownership next year as Declan Rice prepares for a £70m exit according to reports.
The Telegraph reported that Declan Rice is expected to leave the club in the summer, with his contract situation meaning the club could be forced to sell him for as little as £70m despite valuing him at £100m+.
But McAvennie is hopeful the club don’t sell, not because he doesn’t want to lose the player but because he doesn’t want the owners to take the money and run before they sell up.
“It’s brilliant isn’t it, as little as £70m [laughs],” he told West Ham Zone.
“I know what you’re saying but it’s just so funny isn’t it. It’s a different world.
“£70m is a lot of money but I think they would look for a bit more. I hope they don’t sell him, and I’ll tell you why. I think there’ll be a different ownership next year.
“If they sell Declan at the end of the season then the owners at the moment will keep that money, they’re not going to put it in are they if they’re leaving.
“I’d rather a new owner gets that money to give to the manager.
“Mr Gold and Sullivan are selling up, that’s what we’re hearing. Sitting in their shoes, they’re selling just to get the money. But as a West Ham fan you think don’t sell him, let the club get that benefit. That’s the selfish thing.
“I don’t know what they’re going to do with Declan. I always thought he was going to leave, it was just when. I thought we’d get a couple of years out of him and he’s a decent player. He’s a damn good player don’t get me wrong, but we’ll get someone else.
“There’s always someone else coming through or somebody that we can sign.“
Rice is said to be keen to leave to challenge for trophies elsewhere, while Daniel Kretinsky has already invested in the club and could be a candidate to take full control if Gold and Sullivan do look to sell up.