West Ham ace Declan Rice turns down his third new contract at club
West Ham star man Declan Rice has turned down a third new contract offer at the London Stadium and is reportedly open to a summer move, according to The Guardian.
Despite the England international being Manchester United’s number one target in the summer transfer window, they are reluctant to pay the £150million price tag placed on him.
The 23-year-old will have to honour his Irons contract with the utmost “commitment or professionalism” with the club under no pressure to sell him before his contract expires in 2024 as well as having the option to extend his current contract by one year.
Inevitable.
It looks like West Ham will be getting their last year – two at the very most – out of Rice next season.
He does have the option to extend his contract by a year but that seems very unlikely with the Hammers ace just turning down his third chance of an extension.
Who knows what will happen from now until then with David Moyes’ side going from strength to strength seemingly every season under the Scot but it doesn’t look good for his long-term east London future.
Irons fans should be used to their star players moving on by now but it never seems to get any easier.
Rice has been instrumental in the massive progression the club has benefitted from as they prepare for a European semi-final having not long ago been battling relegation.
However, the team that has been built around him is more than good enough to deal with eventually losing Rice.
Make no mistake, it will be a huge blow but nowhere near as bad as in previous seasons when they have lost their best player.
The Hammers chiefs must use the money smartly and bring in a good replacement in centre-mid with his substantial fee most likely allowing one or two more additions.
As things stand, he is still an Irons player. Hopefully, he can lift the Europa League this season and write his name in the club’s history before leaving.
In other West Ham news, View: The Hammers need to sign Nick Pope with a cheaper price for the keeper being reported.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook for 24/7 updates on the Hammers plus more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.