The Declan Rice situation could quickly spiral out of control and West Ham manager David Moyes has to act now.
Rice, 23, is currently out in Qatar on World Cup duty with the England national team.
And it was whilst he was out there when he hinted that he will be looking to leave West Ham at some point in the near future.
Rice suggested that he is keen to challenge for major honours and compete in the Champions League, just like his mates in the England squad.
As a result, the West Ham midfielder will have his pick of clubs in the summer of 2023, with a £100 million transfer mooted (Express).
When the 23-year-old returns to the London Stadium after the World Cup finishes, or England are eliminated, there is a real chance that the whole situation could turn into a soap opera and become a real distraction for the Hammers.
And David Moyes desperately needs to get the whole situation in check before it becomes untenable…
Declan Rice situation could spiral out of control
When the 23-year-old returns to West Ham, it will be important for David Moyes to nip the situation in the bud, one way or another.
The Hammers should offer Rice a massive new contract, and give him one final chance to accept it.
Rice currently earns around £60k-a-week (Capology), but could be offered new terms worth at least four times that amount.
If he doesn’t accept the new deal, Moyes has to make it clear to him, and the fans, that Rice will be leaving at the end of the season.
That will give the Hammers fans closure and will enable him to get a succession plan in place for Rice’s exit in advance.
I think that we all know in our heart of hearts that Declan will be leaving East London at the end of the season.
Obviously we would like him to stay, but when he does eventually leave, it needs to be seen as an opportunity to really grow as a club in my opinion.
The current West Ham team is far too over reliant on Declan Rice. And as a result, we have become incredibly one dimensional and predictable to play against.
If the 23-year-old makes it clear that he will not be staying regardless of what we offer him, then it’s time to bring the elephant in the room out in the open.
The Declan Rice situation could spiral out of control if David Moyes isn’t careful.
And the onus is on the Scot to get it under control as soon as possible.
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