West Ham told to sign ‘next Declan Rice’ as ‘massive’ bid tabled – expert
Noel Whelan has praised West Ham for “thinking ahead of the game” after they submitted an improved offer for Lille star Amadou Onana.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 20-year-old could be the “next Declan Rice” as the England star is linked with a move away from the London Stadium.
According to The Guardian (19 July), West Ham are “hopeful” they will succeed with an improved €38million (£32.3million) bid for Onana this summer.
The Belgium international played 41 times for Lille last term, scoring three goals and adding an assist.
Onana, who stands at 6ft 4in, is contracted to the French club until June 2026 after joining last summer.
Whelan insisted playing the 2022-23 season alongside Rice would be a “massive” boost for the youngster’s development.
“It makes absolute sense to bring Onana in this summer,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’re preparing for the inevitable [Rice leaving], probably next summer. I don’t think anyone could begrudge him that.
“But if that next Declan Rice is available now, and you can snap him up before anyone else does – that’s good business from West Ham.
“They’re thinking ahead of the game. This player is another whose value could rise a lot more if he has a good spell at the club.
“He’s gonna learn from Rice if he comes in this summer. Having a season alongside a player like that can be massive for how he develops as a player.
“If they can get that one over the line, it’d be a very good, calculated buy from West Ham.”
In other news, expert claims Angelo Ogbonna is in line for “new role” at West Ham after injury latest.