Frank McAvennie has been speaking to Football Insider, and he has claimed that West Ham United will face a battle to keep hold of Declan Rice – even if they avoid relegation.
The Hammers are in relegation trouble having lost both games since the restart and not scored a single goal.
They sit in 17th place, just out of the relegation zone on goal difference, but McAvennie thinks that even if West Ham survive, Rice might leave.
Here is what the former Hammers player had to say about Rice:
“There are a lot of rumours about him going, and I am not sure if he will stay this summer.
“Look what he did to Ireland. He could not make up his mind.
“I do not think he will be a stalwart for England over the next few years because they have got a lot of players coming through. Yes, Declan is playing every week, but he might think that he has to go to a big club and shine to cement his place in the England side.
“But if he goes, they will be getting big money for him.”
It seems as if McAvennie does not hold out much hope of the 21-year-old remaining with the Irons.
Do you think Rice will still be at West Ham next season?
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TIF Thoughts…
Rice did have a battle over his international career as both the Republic of Ireland and England wanted the 21-year-old to represent them.
He eventually chose the Three Lions, and he has made seven appearances since then.
However, it seems as if because of this, McAvennie believes that Rice could leave West Ham in the summer.
The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked with moves for Rice – so it will be interesting to see what Rice decides to do, no matter what happens to the Hammers.