The American star David Moyes allegedly wants to replace Declan Rice at West Ham has suffered a double fracture injury.
Rice’s West Ham future has been the subject of much debate and incessant speculation for the last two years.
Rumours of a big money move to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United or even Real Madrid have increased since the West Ham midfielder admitted he wants to win “everything in the game” in an interview with The Overlap.
West Ham fans understandably dread the day Rice may eventually leave. And many believe that will be this summer after the Hammers failed to strengthen in January as they fight on three fronts to make good on a hugely promising season.
If and when Rice does leave, rumours have persisted for some time that Moyes already has his potential replacement lined up.
According to longstanding reports, that man is Juventus and USA midfielder Weston McKennie (BeSoccer and Tuttosport).
When West Ham were linked with McKennie again back in August, The Times claimed he would cost around £40-45m. Other reports suggest Juve value him at closer to £25-30m.
The Texas-born 23-year-old was described as a ‘brilliantly bright’ midfielder by Bundesliga’s official website in the past.
The American is an incredibly industrious, hard-working and energetic central midfielder.
And West Ham fans believe he would be exactly the sort of signing they need if and when Rice does depart.
So there was worrying news from Italy last night with the summer window just four months away.
That’s after star McKennie, the man Moyes allegedly wants to replace Rice at West Ham, suffered a double fracture playing for Juve.
Star David Moyes allegedly wants to replace Declan Rice at West Ham suffers double fracture
McKennie was carried off during the Champions League draw against Villarreal with a suspected sprained ankle and double fracture after being on the end of a sliding challenge (Football Italia and Daily Mail).
The injury is expected to keep the reported West Ham target out for up to three months.
But the concern is that some metatarsal injuries require surgery. And such an injury can weaken the area sparking concerns of re-injury in the future.
Given the foot is clearly the most crucial part of the body for a player, that is a worry.
Plenty of players have come back from metatarsal breaks and fractures in the past, though. So West Ham’s hopes of signing him in the summer – if they need to – may still be very much alive.
Moyes will certainly have to monitor any comeback McKennie makes this season, though. And West Ham’s famously detailed medicals will be interesting if and when the day comes that the US star arrives in east London.