'Catastrophic' - Exclusive: Bent view on second potential big-money West Ham exit

The reaction from West Ham supporters if the club were to sell Declan Rice would be "catastrophic" according to Darren Bent.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former Spurs forward delivered his verdict as Grady Diangana's departure to West Brom caused uproar amongst Hammers fans.

Football Insider revealed last week that the Baggies have payed an initial £12m fee that could rise to £18m for the 22-year-old who spent last season on loan at the Hawthorns.

David Moyes initially wanted Diangana to be integrated into the first team but performed a u-turn last month to raise funds for new signings.

Club captain Mark Noble tweeted that he was "gutted, angry and sad" following the 22-year-old's departure.

Rice could follow fellow academy graduate Diangana out of the door at the London Stadium with Chelsea preparing a massive offer for the midfielder at the end of the transfer window.

The Blues are prepared to offer one or more of Fikayo Tomori, Kurt Zouma and Michy Batshuayi in a player plus cash deal for Rice.

Asked by Football Insider whether selling Diangana's to West Brom represented good business, Bent said: "It is good business from a financial perspective but I do wonder, with West Ham selling him, how much money have West Ham actually got to spend?

"If they're trying to recoup a lot of money then the obvious one to sell would be Declan Rice because he can you get the most money.

"But, if they do sell him, the uproar from the supporters for selling him would be crazy. It would be catastrophic."

In other West Ham news, Football Insider can REVEAL West Brom are set inflict more transfer misery on the Hammers as they swoop for a 25-year-old.