Noel Whelan

Sun 13 March 2022 9:00, UK

Noel Whelan has suggested West Ham could fund a £95million-plus transfer bonanza by selling Declan Rice this summer.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 23-year-old’s future hangs on whether the Irons qualify for the Champions League.

As quoted by the Evening Standard on Wednesday (9 March), David Moyes admitted the Hammers’ aim this season is to qualify for Europe and “consolidate” their position.

However, he warned there could be a “change of the guard” and that “things would be broken” on and off the pitch this summer.

Speaking earlier this month (4 March), Rice admitted his desire to play in the Champions League is “urgent”.

Whelan suggested the midfielder’s departure could fund a spending spree in east London.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Declan Rice, has already come out and said he wants Champions League football. If they don’t make it, then there’s got to be a massive decision and a fair decision between club and player regarding his future.

“If Declan Rice went and they got £100million, you could probably bring in about four to six players, couldn’t you? That’s on top of what you’ve already got to spend.

“You know that if he does go, he’s leaving them in a really good position being able to go out there and spend £35million on a player. Then they can spend another £20million, and another £20million.

“So you’re going to be strengthening an already strong squad bar Declan Rice. Can you go and find another one of him? Probably not. I really don’t think you can.

“At the same time, he’d leave the club in a very healthy position. They would be able to go out there in the transfer market and bring in international players. Maybe four or five of them.”

Rice’s contract at the London Stadium runs until 2024, although the club hold an optional one-year extension clause.

In other news, Kieran Maguire issues verdict on West Ham owner Daniel Kretinsky’s links to Gazprom as asset freeze mooted.