Declan Rice prepared to leave West Ham in the summer of 2022
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is ready to leave the club next summer even if they finish in the top-four, according to 90min.
The Hammers will not stand in the way of the England international, 22, if a bid that matches the club’s £120million valuation is brought to the table.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are all still very much keen on Rice, but it is Manchester City who continue to lead the race, while Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Inter Milan are also keeping tabs on his situation.
Rice is not ready to sign a new deal unless West Ham insert a release clause in it, but David Sullivan is not prepared to do that right now, and the player will keep his options open heading into next summer.
Seriously?
The Irons will not sell their academy graduate for nothing less than a British record fee, and landing £120million for him is a fair deal.
However, fans would hope the reports are not true as many cannot imagine the club without Rice.
As expected, the West Ham ace is not short of suitors after another brilliant start to the season, and with Europe’s giants now keen, his head is likely to get turned.
The club will be more than ready to make him their highest-paid player, but that will not still be able to compare to what a side like Man City or Man Utd can offer.
The duo, Chelsea and Liverpool, alongside Barca, Bayern, Juve and Inter all guarantee regular Champions League football and a chance to win major silverware every season.
Those may soon be available at the London Stadium with fresh investment on the cards, but matching the hefty wages most of his suitors can comfortably afford could take time.
There are still a lot of months ahead, and a lot can still happen, but meeting the club’s demands will not be a problem for the clubs keen on Rice’s signature, and holding on to him could prove tricky.
In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.
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.