Pundit issues Declan Rice prediction West Ham fans will love after double signing news
West Ham will be “challenging for top four on a top budget” if they sign Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer, according to Paul Robinson.
The ex-Premier League keeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the duos arrival could also persuade Declan Rice, 23, into penning a new deal at the London Stadium.
As per the Guardian‘s Jacob Steinberg (29 January), Leeds United rejected bids from the Hammers for Phillips, 26, and Raphinha, 25 last month.
According to The Athletic (7 February), Leeds are braced for strong interest in the duo, as well as Illan Meslier, 21, in the summer window.
Phillips’ and Raphinha’s contracts at Elland Road run until the end of June 2024.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on the duo’s future, Robinson said:
“You question if West Ham are going to sell Rice if they are serious about signing Phillips and Raphinha.
“If they sign those two then it means it is a sign that they are going to be challenging top four on a top budget. You are not going to be selling players like Declan Rice in that case either.
“You question their intentions but if they are to be true, then they will not be selling Rice.
“If Rice wants to leave though, that’s a different story. The player will be the master of his own destiny. He plays in any team in the country. You will always find a club who is willing to pay the transfer fee. His wages will not be a problem.
“I could see Rice staying if West Ham qualify for the Champions League and sign Raphinha and Phillips. But if not I think they’ll have to do business because of where he is in his contract.”
In other news, a pundit has made a ‘hypocrite’ claim after latest on West Ham sacking Kurt Zouma.