New reports emerged today claiming Declan Rice has threatened to run down his West Ham United contract and leave for nothing.
In the latest exclusive – and increasingly regular – update on Rice’s future at West Ham from The Telegraph’s Matt Law, it is claimed the midfield ace is ‘unhappy’ with the club’s £100 million valuation.
Law clearly has an in with Rice’s camp – headed up by dad and agent Sean.
David Moyes has actually insisted in the past Rice would cost MORE than £100m.
In what is an all too familiar tale for West Ham fans as soon as a quality player emerges in their side, The Telegraph says Rice wants to leave to “further his career”.
“Declan Rice is unhappy that West Ham United have effectively priced him out of this summer’s transfer market by valuing him at £100million and has no plans to sign a new contract…” Matt Law claims in The Telegraph.
“A summer spent with the England squad, among Premier League and Champions League winners, at the European Championships convinced Rice that he needs to advance his club career.
“Telegraph Sport exclusively revealed that Rice has already turned down two new contract offers, which included significant wage increases, but that has not prompted a change in West Ham’s stance.
“The situation is likely to result in Rice running down his present deal, which will have two years to run at the end of this season, and effectively force West Ham to lower their asking price.”
But in the wake of the new claims, Hammers News has learned that West Ham privately believe Rice is ‘happy and committed’ to the club.
And West Ham point to the midfield talisman’s celebrations during the Hammers’s 4-2 win up at Newcastle last weekend as proof.
It has also been noted by the club that Rice’s deal has three years left to run with an option until 2025.
West Ham have also once again insisted they are yet to receive an offer for Rice.
The Hammers hierarchy insist Rice was offered a significant improvement to his wages – despite already being on a long-term deal – to recognise and reward his achievements and status.
Rice was given a second chance at making it as a Premier League player when West Ham picked the midfielder up following his release from Chelsea as a 14-year-old.
And he has been developed into the club’s captain in the absence of Mark Noble.
West Ham cannot allow themselves to be strong-armed or bullied into selling Rice.
Fans are sick of seeing the club’s best players leave just when West Ham seem to be onto something good.
And given the ultra competitive nature of the Premier League there are very few clubs where Rice would be guaranteed Champions League football every season, let alone trophies!
In other news, West Ham fan who worked with Moyes for 10 years explains why ITKs and press struggle.
And Brendan Rodgers raves about West Ham and Moyes’s fantastic four.