OPINION
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini will have countless things to focus on as we head slowly towards the January transfer window, but it is something close to home which must take priority.
The Hammers’ draw against Leicester on Saturday was a disappointing one after conceding that equaliser in the 89th minute, but it was a promising performance from Pellegrini’s side all things considered.
The man at the centre of that performance for the Irons, as has been the case on many occasions already this season, was youngster Declan Rice.
Rice controlled the midfield in a fashion which belied his tender age of 19, with his task made even harder by the sending off of captain Mark Noble in the first half.
The way in which he dictated play for the Hammers while breaking up attack after attack was simply astounding, and this masterclass brought his future into even sharper focus.
As widely reported, West Ham have so far failed to tie Rice down to a new deal, with his current contract running out at the end of the season.
The club are said to have an option to extend his current £3,000-a-week deal, but the fact is that Rice will be coveted by some of the nations top sides after performances like Saturday, and the situation may end up out of their hands.
It is clear for everyone to see that Rice is more than worth the £30,000-a-week he is reportedly demanding [Express], and getting him to sign that new deal must now be the top priority, bar none, for the club.
Forget January signings, seeing Rice grace the London Stadium turf for years to come is the most important thing for now, as losing him for nothing is simply unthinkable for the Irons.