West Ham news: Emphatic Declan Rice claim issued after source’s transfer reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted West Ham will struggle to keep Declan Rice this summer without Champions League football.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker compared the 23-year-old’s situation to that of Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, who admitted playing in Europe’s top club competition is a “dream”.
A West Ham source told Football Insider last Thursday (24 March) that David Moyes is prioritising the signing of a new midfielder this summer.
However, he is determined to keep Rice on board and wants to build around the England international.
Like Saka, Rice has admitted he has an “urgent” desire to play Champions League football.
Whelan suggested Moyes’ plans could go up in smoke if the Hammers cannot finish fourth this term.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Champions League football is the key to these players, unfortunately.
“It’s such a big key and it’s very difficult to break into the Champions League. We know how many good teams are up there right now, vying for it.
“You’d love to keep Declan Rice, wouldn’t you? Just like Arsenal want to keep Saka. They’re young, they’re fresh, they’re standouts in your sides. He’s a leader at West Ham. Would you want to lose him? Absolutely not.
“Can you fend off big teams if you’re not in the Champions League? This is what these players want to be playing in. They’ve got another World Cup coming up as well.
“I’m not sure. I’m really not sure whether finishing fifth and getting into the quarter-final of the Europa League is enough. I do believe that he’s going to want to go for the Premier League title.
“I think he’s going to want to be playing at a top-standard football club next year.”
In other news, West Ham told to sign “perfect” Declan Rice replacement for “£50million”.