ClaretandHugh this afternoon attempted to learn from Declan Rice’s agent precisely where things stood as far as he was concerned on the 19 year old’s current contract negotiations.
The club had made their position clear and explained that they have an offer on the table but that Rice’s new agent Neil Fewings was not responding.
We received much the same response when ringing Fewings in a bid to get his side of the picture but in a brusque and not unpredictable conversation he refused to comment.
Instead I was told that No1 he didn’t know me, No 2 that he didn’t speak to the press anyway and No 3 that I should talk to the club as he had nothing to say.
Rice has been with Fewings for around six months during which time the new contract talks have taken a prominent place on the Hammers stage.
After offering him the opportunity of giving his position and getting nowhere we again spoke to our club sources in a bid to get the latest position.
And most importantly of all it was immediately confirmed that not only did the club have a two year option on the boy but that it was entirely “legally binding.”
Our source explained: “We have a two year option next summer and it is very solid – it’s a very solid legally binding contract. Its not vague at all so in reality there’s no pressure to do a deal anytime soon.
“However, Declan is a strong individual and he should sign the deal on the table and ask for more in 18 to 24 months time. The club has a good record of rewarding players who do well for it.
“For every week he doesn’t sign or his agent refuses to discuss things it’s costing the lad money.
“We have made him a very decent basic wage plus appearances offer and want to see him doing well over the next season and prove he is the real deal.
“Part of the deal involves the promise that the club will increase the terms following his 15th appearance in the first team and at the moment we believe that represent a realistic situation for both sides.
If that is the true contract it seems fair to me , why wouldn’t we want to see how he performs. Like your source states we reward good players. Declan has nothing to worry about except his performances it gives him room to prove himself for a long term career with us . I do hope we get it sorted though I like the lad . Sign the contract Declan you will get your rewards soon enough. COYI
i say give him what he wants on the condition he dumps the agent no point in keeping someone who is none contactable to negotiate a contract.
playing those games makes you more enemy’s than friends and a lack of trust which is so important for this particular young persons future
Wasn’t Payets contract ‘legally binding’?
Agents are ruining players careers with their greed, Rice is a young player depending on what has been offered if it is geninely a very substantial increase on his 3k a week deal plu his appearance bonus he should sign it but ask for a review in 12 – 18 months, if he establishes himself as the first choice he should get another substantial increase, if the agent refuses to come back to the club the club could force the issue by enforcing the two year option early which would put the clarify things.