Manager Manuel Pellegrini has made it clear he is in no position to tell any agent what he may or may not say regarding players.One of the first questions he was asked at today’s press conference was whether he had been disappointed at what Marko Arnautovic’s brother and agent had allegedly said on the striker’s position at the club.
His retort was quick and to the point as he declared: “I cannot tell everyone what they must say or not say. Everyone must own his own words. I don’t know where Marko’s brother said these words, but he didn’t say them to me.”
However, he seemed more conciliatory when discussing Declan Rice’s situation adding: “I think Declan is a very important player for us in this moment. I think he will continue improving as a player because he is very young and always wants to learn more.
“His agent is talking with the owners and I hope they reach an agreement soon, but I cannot say when it will happen.”
That Pellegrini should say the two sides are talking is a big piece of news as until last week there had apparently been no contact between the two sides on the contract offer.
Declan has regularly said that he wants a deal done soon and this suggests that agreement is now closer than it has been for some time.
Our own information is that although there is no timetable the club hopes to get the contract sorted by Christmas or by summer the latest and that there may be room for tweaks.
The Hammers have also made it clear to the midfielder’s agents that they are ready to offer regular reviews to ensure that he is brought up to the wage levels established for regular first teamers.