Darren Bent says Declan Rice will not leave West Ham if they win Europa League
Darren Bent has made a bold claim on TalkSport that Declan Rice will not be going anywhere if West Ham win the Europa League this season.
Rice has been simply outstanding this season for the Hammers, and he was superb once again during West Ham’s 2-0 win against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League clash on Thursday.
The England international’s future has come under speculation in recent weeks, but Bent feels Rice won’t leave the London club if they win the Europa League this season.
West Ham have won both their Europa League games so far.
“He won’t go anywhere. If West Ham win the Europa League this year, they will be in the Champions League next year,” said Bent on TalkSport.
“What’s his reasons for going anywhere? He’s playing in the best competition in the world then.”
Huge claim
It has been claimed that Rice wants to join a big club, and he has reportedly rejected two contract offers from West Ham already.
Fabrizio Romano claimed recently that Manchester United have earmarked Rice as top of their transfer target next summer.
Rice suggested earlier this week that he is happy at the club, and talks about his future hasn’t hampered his focus and performance.
The Irons are pretty relaxed about Rice’s situation. The midfielder has three years left on his contract, and West Ham aren’t going to sell him on the cheap.
If West Ham win the Europa League this season (they will automatically qualify for the Champions League next season) Rice will have solid reasons to stay put and sign a new contract extension.
Having said that, the lures of playing at a big club like Chelsea, Manchester United, or Manchester City are too tempting to reject straightaway.
Let’s not get carried away. West Ham are doing well at the moment, and it will be a huge achievement for the club if they can win a trophy this season.
In other West Ham news, Mark Noble has been spotted after a match embracing magic forward who quit Hammers in summer.