West Ham midfielder Declan Rice set to hold talks over his future amid exit speculation
Declan Rice is set to hold talks with West Ham over his future once he returns from Euro 2020, according to Eurosport journalist Dean Jones.
Speaking on the Oddschanger YouTube channel [07/07/21], Jones spoke about the 22-year-old and his next moves this summer.
“Declan Rice seems to be having his head turned right now,” Jones said.
“From what I understand he’s very open to the potential of leaving West Ham once he returns to club duties and discussions are going to happen there over how that can happen.
“West Ham seem to be putting a big price tag on him, it’s going to be at least £80million.
‘What needs to happen is that those interested clubs test the water pretty early on into July now that pre-season is starting to get underway. Clubs need to start making assurances over where their squad sits.
“He’s not going to sign a new contract at West Ham at the moment, why would he?”
One more season, surely
GSB need to sit tight and ensure they remain firm in their stance to keep the England star at the London Stadium beyond the end of the summer transfer window.
Rice has cemented himself as an indispensable member of the Three Lions starting XI at Euro 2020, keeping Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Bundesliga superstar Jude Bellingham out of the team.
West Ham fans already knew it, as did many Premier League viewers, but if there were any lingering doubts over his quality, then Rice has surely put them to bed this summer with a series of standout displays in the middle of midfield.
His colossal performances have helped his national team into a major tournament final against Italy on Sunday, something which will ensure he does not return to the club until late July, and thus his valuation and reputation will have soared.
We could collect a substantial sum for him this summer, but with his current deal not expiring until 2024 we are in a comfortable position and should be holding out for at least another year of him in east London.
With Europa League football coming up we should be looking to make our mark in Europe, and that means keeping hold of our prized assets for at least another year.
In other West Ham news, Paolo Di Canio has admitted that this Irons star has blown him away amid a near ‘Impossible’ mission.
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