West Ham legend Alvin Martin has said that West Ham must keep hold of Declan Rice.
The 19-year-old centre back only has one year left on his contract and the Times reported that he had rejected a new offer in June.
They claim the player, currently on £3k-a-week, was offered way below what he’s worth and it was said that no further talks were planned.
Martin was replying to a tweet from West Ham blogger ExWHUemployee, who said West Ham should offer him £30k-a-week.
Martin said that West Ham must keep a player who “has the potential to be every bit as good as England’s present central defenders.”
Club really need to secure Declan Rice ,,,has the potential to be every bit as good as England’s present central defenders (who were brilliant at WC)with focus and hard work ?
— alvin martin (@alvinmartin58) July 25, 2018
Good move for West Ham?
Keeping hold of Rice is surely a priority for West Ham, although his situation doesn’t seem anywhere near being resolved. If the report of his £3k-a-week wages are true, then it’s no wonder that he’s not happy and the new contract offer can’t have been very generous. Rice is already an Ireland international and has made 32 senior appearances for the club. Pellegrini is said to have been impressed by him too, so we really can’t see why the two parties can’t come to an agreement. Pellegrini should push and make it a priority after impressing in the summer transfer window.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
What we don’t know is how much Rice is holding out for. £30k-a-week wouldn’t seem too much for a player of Rice’s capabilities and potential, but he may well be looking for even more than that. He will be free to speak to foreign clubs in January, with his contrac at the London Stadium expiring next summer, and he might well have his eyes on a lucrative move as a free agent. That would be a huge shame for West Ham and a potentially expensive misstep if he goes on to fulfil his potential.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10