By Sam Stone

26th Apr, 2022 | 10:10pm

Fabrizio Romano responds to David Moyes over Declan Rice's contract situation

Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano has responded to David Moyes after the West Ham manager suggested he wasn’t a “local boy”.

This comes following a tweet from Romano on Friday suggesting that Declan Rice had turned down a third contract offer and that he was open to a summer move.

Moyes was asked about Romano breaking the news in his press conference after the Chelsea game, “It was one of the locals then.

“One of the local boys got the story there I can see.”

Romano responded to the video of Moyes’ interview, “unfortunately I’m not a ‘local boy’, I’m just trying to do my best even if I’m not attending press conferences every week.”

Romano added, “I’ve been at the London Stadium three times and the Atmosphere, team and fans were amazing (laughing emoji).

Subscribe to Football Insider TV now

“Wish you and Declan all the best in the Europa League semi-finals (Iron emoji).”

Worried about Rice?

When it comes to Declan Rice’s contract situation, West Ham are in the driving seat.

At present, the midfielder will remain at the London Stadium until 2024.

In the summer window, it will take a mammoth bid from one of Europe’s top teams to truly test West Ham’s resolve.

Moyes has always remained calm over the future of the England international and reiterated this stance after the defeat at Stamford Bridge.

As per the Independent, Moyes said, “We’ve got three and a half years so it isn’t the biggest priority.

“We’ve got other priorities, trying to add to the squad and get other positions in.

“Maybe he just wants more money. People do turn down contracts, it’s not unusual for players at clubs to turn down contracts, maybe it is a negotiation tactic.”

However, if West Ham’s board did decide to accept a bid north of £150 million for Rice, then the Hammer’s faithful would firmly expect that money to be reinvested back into the squad.

If a fee for Rice was not reinvested, then serious questions of the ownership’s ambition could start to reemerge.

In other West Ham news, a journalist says the club need to be careful if they decide to pursue this former star.

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