West Ham are ‘covering their own backs’ after source’s ‘jaw-dropping’ Declan Rice news – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed West Ham are simply “covering their own back” by offering Declan Rice a “jaw-dropping” eight-year deal.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 23-year-old will know that he wants to move on from the London Stadium at the end of the season.
Football Insider revealed on 15 October that Rice has no intention of signing a new deal at West Ham regardless of the offer.
It is understood that the Irons have offered their captain multiple new deals, including a jaw-dropping offer worth £200,000-a-week and running for eight years.
His current contract has just over 18 months left to run.
Speaking in April and quoted by the BBC, manager David Moyes insisted Rice’s price tag would be a “minimum of £150million”.
Whelan suggested the Hammers can bring in “two or three players” to strengthen with that sort of transfer fee.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think the player knows what he wants to do at the end of the season.
“This was probably always the plan.
“West Ham have to be shown to be doing everything, offering him a new contract – that just covers their own back.
“I don’t think it’s about the money for him. It’s just about wanting a new challenge and playing in the Champions League.
“He’ll bring a lot of money into the football club, and they can use that to strengthen the squad.
“He probably could have left in the last two summers, but he’s never given anything less than 100% for West Ham.
“I just think after the World Cup, come the end of the season – it’s probably about the right time.
“West Ham have to be looking out for two or three players they can bring in to ensure they keep strengthening.”
In other news, pundit claims West Ham manager David Moyes could be “in trouble” as quotes emerge.