West Ham tipped to make ‘massive’ Rice statement after ‘brilliant’ development
Paddy Kenny insists West Ham won’t be forced into selling Declan Rice following fresh investment.
The former Leeds United stopper, speaking to Football Insider, admitted he can see the midfielder staying in East London many years to come.
According to The Sun (9 November), talks over a new big-money contract are “ongoing” between Rice, 22, and club chiefs.
The report claims the Hammers board would even reject an offer of £100million if it arrived next year.
Rice has started all 16 of West Ham’s games in the Premier League and Europa League this season.
On 10 November, West Ham announced Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky has purchased 27% of the club’s shares.
Kenny claims this new investment means the Hammers are under no pressure to sell.
“Rice is a huge part of that West Ham team,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“They can’t afford to lose him and with the new investment, which is brilliant for the club, I don’t think there is any reason they would need to sell him.
“West Ham are in a good place right now. They are in a much better place than Man United.
“If West Ham keep progressing, who knows how long Rice will stay. He could be there for many years.
“I think they are more likely to get Champions League football than Man United.
“Tying him down to a new deal would be a massive statement from West Ham.
“I’m a big fan of his, I can see it happening.”
Rice’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024.
Both Manchester clubs and Chelsea have been mooted as potential destinations for the midfielder since he burst onto the scene with the Irons.
In other news, injury expert tells Hammers to “do the right thing” after Angel Ogbonna news.