West Ham United could make ‘one more push’ to keep hold of club captain Declan Rice, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Rice’s West Ham future
The Premier League’s top clubs have been interested in the 23-year-old for a while, with Chelsea considered to have him at the top of their wanted list in 2023, while 90min’s report also details interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.
It has recently emerged that the latter may hold an advantage in the race, with David Moyes now willing to sell the midfielder in a swap deal involving Kalvin Phillips, although the Irons manager could also make a final attempt to keep his skipper at the London Stadium.
The Latest: West Ham not giving up hope
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones claimed that the Hammers are yet to give up all hope of keeping their captain beyond 2024, when his current deal expires.
The journalist said of Rice’s future: “From a West Ham point of view, they don’t totally accept that he’s definitely going. There’s still a chance they have one more push with one more big contract. I personally don’t think it’ll make any difference and he’ll still go, but there are still conversations to be had.”
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The Verdict: Very unlikely
West Ham have greratly developed as a club under the reign of Moyes in the past few years, reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League last season. They have taken a massive backwards step this term, though, currently sitting 17th in the table and outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
If the Irons were still in European contention, perhaps Rice could be tempted with a big contract. However, he has spoken of his desire to play Champions League football, and this is now some way off being a realistic possibility at the London Stadium.
Journalist Sam Inkersole lauded the 23-year-old as a ‘special talent’ in his earlier years with the club, and Rice has no doubt proven that he is worthy of such praise, already winning 39 caps for England.
Therefore, barring drastic improvement in 2023, it seems very unlikely that West Ham would be able to keep him, no matter how much money they offer in any new contract proposal.