Sky Sports pundit claims West Ham standout has become ‘top-class’ talent
Paul Merson has claimed that West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has become a “top-class” holding midfielder.
The Sky Sports pundit believes that it is no surprise that Chelsea are interested, but believes there will be other clubs taking a look.
Reliable club source, exWHUemployee recently shut down any rumours of the Blues putting in an offer after Rice was pictured with Didier Drogba on holiday.
Merson claims that Chelsea would be making a mistake by playing him defence though, with midfield clearly his best position.
“Declan Rice is going to have choices this summer and I can see why Chelsea want him,” he wrote in his Daily Star column.
“He has become a top-class holding midfielder for his age. He’s so disciplined, and I think it’s up to him how far he goes in the game.
“There will be a lot of teams after him. In my day you had to have the experience to play that position but he does it so well.
“West Ham will have to get the right price if they sell. But I can see why Frank Lampard wants him.”
The clear message from West Ham and David Moyes has been that Rice is not for sale, but the sad realisation is that they may have no chance.
It has been widely reported that the Irons will need to sell players in order to make any significant moves this summer.
The Sun has even claimed that West Ham could sell the England international for £70million in a mission to strengthen their squad significantly.
That would defeat the point though, if Rice leaves, the Irons are significantly weaker and could be in trouble – we hope Moyes uses common sense.
In other West Ham United news, Pablo Fornals has been blown away by this Irons defender during first season at club