West Ham United have been given new hope over the future of Declan Rice after encouraging comments.
West Ham supporters and the wider football world have been bemused as to why the club has failed to offer young star Declan Rice a satisfactory contract.
Hammers fans are seriously concerned the club could lose Rice over his much-publicised contract impasse.
Rice posted a message on Twitter this week displaying just a snooze emoji which has since been deleted.
That was construed by paranoid Hammers as further proof their new hero is growing fed up of the situation.
West Ham paying out shocking £410,000 per week to five outcasts while Rice future hangs in balance
Contract impasse a worry for fans
Rice has been embroiled in protracted contract negotiations since breaking into the West Ham first team last season.
The former Chelsea youth player became an integral part of firstly David Moyes’ setup and now Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Negotiations between the players’ representatives and West Ham over a new deal have become difficult in the past few months.
Higher basic wage the key?
Rice, who earns about £3,000 per week currently (Evening Standard), recently rejected an offer of £15,000 per week plus £20,000 for every Premier League start and a salary rise after every 15 Premier League games.
The key to satisfying Rice’s demands appeared to be offering a higher basic wage.
But West Ham are yet to budge and according to the London Evening Standard, the East Londoners have made their teenage star a final, improved contract offer which remains unsigned.
Major boost after new Rice comments
The Hammers have been given real encouragement over Rice’s future but comments he has made in an interview with the Premier League.com.
“Most of the academy lads are maybe looking up to me and thinking, ‘That’s where I want to go next,’ ” Rice told the official Premier League website.
“Growing up watching West Ham, a massive club with a massive fanbase, I know how much it means to all the fans and for me and my family to put on the shirt and play every week for West Ham United.
“It’s a crazy feeling to be honest, I can’t put it into words.”
One thing Rice can put into words is his name, hopefully on a nice new contract soon.
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