Speaking exclusively to This Is Futbol, former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Declan Rice is well within his rights to demand a big-money contract from West Ham.
Rice continues to be linked with a move away from the London Stadium, with Chelsea and Manchester United said to be interested.
According to Eurosport, the 22-year-old midfielder would be looking for around £200,000-a-week at either club.
Is Rice worth £200k a week?
Yes
No
It remains to be seen whether West Ham would offer Rice that kind of money to tempt him to remain in east London. But from the England international’s point of view, if he asked for those wages, Palmer thinks the Hammers cannot have any complaints.
“If he went to Man United or went to Man City, I don’t think that’s out of the water,” the ex-Leeds United player told TIF.
“If he goes for 100 million, I think he’d be on more than 200 grand a week, for sure. So he’s not out of order for asking for that type of money.
“If clubs are coming in and bidding that type of money for you, then he’s entitled to get paid that type of money. You can’t have it both ways. You can’t say to the player, ‘You can’t go, because you’re under contract’ and still not pay him what he’s worth.”
According to The Telegraph, Rice has rejected two new contract offers from West Ham as he waits for either Chelsea or United to firm up their interest with a bid. It will certainly be interesting to see how this one ends.