OPINION
West Ham have had a relatively indifferent season, all things considered.
The Hammers have picked up some stunning results – wins against Manchester United and Arsenal come to mind – but have also suffered some huge embarrassments, like losing to Cardiff City and bowing out of the cup to Wimbledon back in January.
If there has been one consistent bright spark, however, it has been Declan Rice.
The youngster has enjoyed a meteoric rise that has quickly established him as one of the best midfielders in the league, and has earned him a call-up to the England setup to boot.
Rice has been irresistible this season, and the hype that now precedes him is becoming evermore justified with each passing game.
The 20-year-old specialises in the simple things – tackling, passing, screening the back four – but he seems to do each one just 10% better than most other players, and it means that when you bring it all together, he is quickly becoming a formidable talent.
It is only natural, therefore, that he is attracting attention from some of the so-called “bigger” clubs.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Rice is said to be on the radar of both Manchester City and Manchester United, and it is easy to see why.
Both could do with a long term option to bolster their midfield ranks, and Rice certainly fits the bill.
The hope has been, however, that his loyalty to the Hammers would outstrip any big money swoop.
Given that hope, Jonathan Walters’ comments on Rice will have West Ham fans quaking in their boots.
Walters was teammates with the midfielder during their time together playing for the Republic of Ireland, and he has made no secret of how highly he rates his ex-colleague.
Speaking to 888Sport, he said: “In my opinion, he can go right to the top and without a shadow of a doubt he’s a target for the big teams, whether that be Manchester United or anyone else.
“If I was Manchester City I would be looking at him because of the position that he plays where he can sit in front of that back four and do an unbelievable job. He’s available for the ball and right foot, left foot he deals with it.
“His passing is simple but he’s got a range. He covers a lot of ground and breaks up attacks. He can take players on. He is an ultimate player in that role and I’d be surprised if plenty of clubs aren’t in for him this summer.”
Here’s hoping that Rice pays no heed to his mate.