Exclusive by Hughie Southon

Declan Rice may be ready to sign a new Hammers deal at the end of the season on a couple of conditions.

With every so called ITK claiming that he will be sniffed out by the big clubs this summer there’s a much bigger likelihood of him putting pen to paper with the Irons.

However, as has been the case since negotiations started a year ago, personal terms and a buy-out clause are the issues which will need to be agreed.

And we understand that although his agent/father Sean is looking for a wage of around £200k a week the club are unprepared to go that high unless no clauses are attached.

They are ready to offer 150k a week should a buy out clause of around £100 million be attached to the deal and £200k if it isn’t.

A source close to the club explained to ClaretandHugh: “That looks to be the way forward as right now there is nothing like the money in the game pre-covid with clubs unable or unwilling to pay the sort of transfer fee required

“Chelsea are out of the picture right now, Manchester United is not an option because they need a big rebuilding job and Manchester City are involved in getting Erling Haaland, with a striker their priority.

“However, a buy out allows a deal to be done when the right offer is made and the time is right.”