Whelan predicts when Rice will quit West Ham after Man United bombshell
Noel Whelan has tipped Declan Rice to remain at West Ham past the transfer deadline amid late-window interest from Manchester United.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 22-year-old would instead leave the London Stadium next summer.
As reported by the Independent (26th August), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still keen to sign Rice before the August 31 deadline but a deal is highly unlikely.
Rice is reportedly keen on the move but all parties may have to wait until next summer for a deal to be done.
Whelan suggested this season was “too soon” for the midfielder to leave east London.
He claimed a move would likely be on the cards at the end of the campaign.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think right now is probably not the right time for a move for Declan Rice.
“He’s got a job to do at West Ham in Europe. I think that’d be a nice way possibly to bow out next year, with another good season under his belt.
“Maybe push them a little bit further the league this year and pushing them back into Europe again for next year. I think the club are doing the right thing.
“You’ve got to keep your star players. There’s no point adding your Zoumas if you’re not going to keep your Rices. It doesn’t make sense.
“They’re trying to build something stronger here for this season. You’ve got to progress on where they finished last year. Now they’re in Europe as well, they’re going to need a bigger squad,.
“David Moyes recognises that and realises that and so does the board. I think this year was probably a little bit too soon for Declan Rice, to allow him to leave.
“They’ve got so many big commitments in Europe and the Premier League to go for again. I think next year, maybe, could be that year.
“It gives West Ham another year to monitor players, have a look at players that might be a replacement.”
In other news, pundit claims Jesse Lingard desperate to join West Ham amid “odd” manager reveal.