David Moyes has finally admitted there is a “good chance” Declan Rice will be leaving the club this summer.
It has of course been known for many months since Claret and Hugh first broke the news he would see this season out before departing.
That Moyes should now be saying the same thing means that he is definitely on his way and the bidding will start as soon as the window opens.
The Hammers captain has ambitions to play for a Champions League club but has a price tag in excess of £100m.
“We honestly hope he stays,” said Moyes. “We’d love for him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case at the end of the season.
“So that’s one of the scenarios around planning. There are plans that we have Dec here but we’re also fully aware there is a good chance we won’t have him.”
“A lot of it will only start to go into place once we’ve realised we have kept our Premier League place. We’re watching a lot of players, a lot of games, doing a lot of scouting, but the truth is the focus has been on staying in the Premier League.”
The current claims are that the Hammers want £120 million for Declan but that they would accept £100 million plus a player.
I would have thought that there’s more chance of Rice staying if the club appointed a new, more progressive, more adventurous manager. One who likes to play attacking football, not this sit back and defend, concede possession, and venturing forward only when we go behind. A manager who plans where his new players will fit into the team before he buys them, and one who gives the academy youngsters a chance.
Perfect summary Hammeroo.