West Ham right to insist Rice is now worth significantly more than £100million
David Moyes claimed ahead of West Ham’s 1-0 win over Tottenham last month that Declan Rice was available for a bargain £100million in the summer.
The Hammers manager insists that bargain is now gone, and according to Evening Standard, the feeling at the club is that the England international midfielder, 22, is now worth significantly more than that.
Rice currently has three more years left on his contract, with the option of another year, and after some eye-catching performances for the Hammers, the club are absolutely right if they ask suitors to part with a British record fee to have any chance of landing him.
West Ham got the better of Liverpool on Sunday, moving to third place in the Premier League table heading into the international break, and Rice’s influence and dominance in the middle of the park made the hard-fought victory possible, most likely leaving Jurgen Klopp green with envy.
He topped the table for possession gained, tackles, passing and passing accuracy against the Reds [Evening Standard], proving why he is a starter for both club and country.
Manchester City and Manchester United are two clubs that have been constantly linked with Rice, and having impressed against both of them this term, they could be eyeing a move next summer, and no one would blame them.
West Ham are on the up and up at the moment, and should they end up securing Champions League football and/or end with a major silverware at the end of the campaign, the midfielder might not see a reason for leave.
Moyes can make the Hammers credible challengers for major trophies with a few quality additions to the squad, and that could be enough to match Rice’s lofty ambitions and dreams going forward.
Should he insist on leaving, prospective buyers will have to break the bank to get the club to agree on a deal.
In other West Ham news, Jesse Lingard has sent a two-word message to Hammers ace after 3-2 win v Liverpool.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.