Rice contract… we already knew

By Dave Langton

Reports this morning that Declan Rice has told West Ham that he has no plans to sign a new contract will come as no surprise to readers of C&H!

We reported months ago that the Hammers had reached an agreement with the England midfielder over his future.

He would snub any potential move away in the summer transfer window just gone, in order to spend at least one more season at the London Stadium.

However, there is an agreement in place that the Irons will not stand in Declan’s way next summer, provided a potential suitor makes a suitable offer.

It would cost in excess of £100m to sign Rice from the Hammers, as he has a contract that runs until 2024, and the Irons remain in a strong negotiating position.

There has been no change to his situation from what we can see, even if there are more clubs lining up to potentially secure his signature.

Liverpool are the latest to be linked, while there is likely still interest from Chelsea.

But in terms of new updates, there really isn’t anything to say!