West Ham taking ‘huge risk’ as critical Declan Rice transfer decision reported – pundit
Alan Hutton has insisted West Ham would be taking a “huge risk” not cashing in on Declan Rice this summer.
The former Scotland international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Irons would “seriously” consider any “suitable offers” for the 23-year-old.
The Athletic claim (25 April) the Hammers are determined to keep Rice this summer despite him turning down a third contract offer.
His current terms run until 2024, while the club have a one-year extension clause they can trigger.
As such, the east Londoners have reportedly decided not to sell this summer and will instead seek a £150million fee in 2023.
However, Hutton warned that a lot can change in the space of a year.
Asked if he thought West Ham were taking a risk not selling while his stock is high, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think it’s a huge risk.
“When somebody’s at the peak of their powers, even though he’s so young, you never know what’s going to happen in the future. I don’t like talking like that but it’s the truth.
“When he is so good, he’s playing so well, and the contract situation, if a team comes in with a suitable offer, I think they will seriously look at it. They’ll not be willing to let him run those two years out.
“A team like West Ham? I don’t think they can afford to allow their prize assets to leave for nothing.“
Rice has played 44 times across all competitions this season.
He has 29 England caps under his belt to date.
In other news, West Ham make decision over rivalling Aston Villa for new defender signing.