Jamie Redknapp has leapt onto the Declan Rice bandwagon and is the latest pundit to link him with a move away to the club.
And with the journalistic sense of timing he has been developing as a pundit and columnist he has been developing since his time on the Mail and Sky Sports he goes for Manchester City – our next home opponents – as a possible destination.
Making that sort of link is the sort of journalistic trick usually used to create added interest in a story or opinion but of course he fails to add that the teenager has two years left to run on his Hammers deal.
Writing in the Mail he makes it clear that he would not be at all taken aback to see Pep Guardiola come in for Rice as a potential successor to Fernandinho in holding midfield.
He said: “Rice has all the hallmarks of Fernandinho, the anchorman of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City midfield.
“The Brazilian is still performing at the peak of his powers but given he is 33, City will be on the lookout for a long-term replacement.”
“I would not be surprised if Rice is already on their radar, and plays against them in West Ham’s next home game. It will be the biggest test of his fledgling career,” he added.
We’re all aware that Declan has 2 years to go but if he wants to move, he will. Remind me again how long Payet had left on his contract when he decided he wanted to move, If City want Declan and he wants to go there. he’ll be with them next season. Theres nothing we can do about it. Contracts are ALL in favour of the player now.
Here we are again, one win and after playing the Spuds off the park in recent weeks and we appear to be subject to a sell sell sell report.
We are all aware that ANY one of the current side when playing well could be part of any of the top 4 teams, but why would they?
Declan Rice touted as going to Moan City, yes fabulous team probably the best in Europe. But would Rice want to sit on the bench and ‘learn his trade’ no he wouldn’t he is already being compared to them, playing for us. I do think that the board should meet his wage demand because all the other teams will.
Arnie, going to another European top team, he is after all another quality player that puts the fear of God into the opposition but if he wants more money and European football, then quess what….hes off!
West Ham will be a ‘cherry picked club’ for sometime untill we hit the top 6, so the board have gone some way of building that team, it will take some big money to keep building….but we can dream….and we may make the top 6 with Pellegrini. 2 more players IN during the january window, hopefully none out.