Leroy Rosenior: I will be surprised if Declan Rice does not leave West Ham
Leroy Rosenior expects bids to come in and for Declan Rice to leave West Ham this summer.
The former Hammers attacker and current club ambassador discussed the England international’s future at the club, referring to The Telegraph report that stated he turned down two contract extensions.
Rice has been subject to transfer interest from the Premier League top four of last season, and Rosenior only expects them to step up their respective pursuits to sign the midfielder this summer.
Speaking to Claret & Hugh, he said, “I have to say that I will be shocked if there aren’t bids for him [Rice] this summer with Chelsea probably favourites to get him if that’s the case.
“I have to be 1,000 per cent honest and admit that if he is still here at the end of the summer I will be surprised.
“When The Telegraph leaked stories that a couple of contract offers had been turned down it seemed pretty clear the newspaper had received some sort of steer.
“There may be more of the same on the way. I really hope I’m wrong but I have to be honest – I’m a bit fearful.”
Record-breaking deal
Should Harry Kane’s transfer not go ahead this summer, Rice is in line to become the most expensive English player and the costliest Premier League purchase of all time – as it’s only clubs in the top flight that are keen on signing him.
There are reports about the club wanting £100million in exchange for his services [The Athletic], and it will take a Herculean effort from any club to afford that kind of fee in a post Covid-19 market.
Rosenior casts doubts about his future at the club, but it seems that at this moment, he’s likelier to stay than he is to leave.
He may want to try something new and possibly take the step up later in his career but he isn’t the sort of player to down tools and force a move away from the London Stadium this summer.
In other West Ham news, WHZ View: CL club reject West Ham bids for ‘Fabulous’ attacker, Hammers must continue pursuit
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