Manchester City expected to return for Declan Rice signature next summer
West Ham United ace Declan Rice is likely to be in his last season at the London Stadium, according to The Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas.
The 22-year-old England international midfielder was linked with some of the bigwigs last summer, but none tabled a bid, and the Hammers have always insisted that their academy graduate is not for sale.
Things could change next summer, though, with Thomas writing on their website: “Realistically, this is likely to be Declan Rice’s last season with West Ham. Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have been linked with moves for the 22-year-old.”
Man City are said to view him as Fernandinho’s long-term successor, and despite handing the 36-year-old a new one-year deal, there is every chance they will make a bid next summer.
Worry?
West Ham know Rice would love to win major silverware and play regular Champions League football, and despite recent improvements, they are always going to struggle to match his ambitions going forward.
There is also the little matter of wages that should not be ignored.
The Hammers are never going to be able to match what Man City, Chelsea and Man Utd can offer the midfielder no matter how much they try, and that matters a lot.
Some of his international teammates earn way more than he does despite not playing as much as he does for club and country, and his chances of playing in Europe’s elite competition every season and win Premier League titles are slim as they come at the London Stadium.
West Ham fans would love to see Rice emulate Mark Noble and remain with the club till he retires, but that is not a realistic wish given the enormous talents of the youngster.
In other West Ham news, Lingard has named Hammers player who was on his case in training.
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