Rice “legally bound” to Irons as agent stays silent

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.