West Ham United could find themselves in need of signing a potential replacement for current Hammers player Declan Rice.
Back in April, it was reported that the midfielder had rejected a third offer from the Hammers to sign a new deal, with his current one set to expire in the summer of 2024.
More recently, journalist Roshane Thomas claimed in a report for The Athletic that the Englishman looks set to leave the London Stadium this summer amid interest from several top-flight clubs.
Should the east London club find themselves waving goodbye to Rice this summer, one player that they have been linked with over the past week who we feel would be an ideal long-term replacement for him is Alex Scott.
At the age of 19, the youngster has 79 senior appearances for Bristol City under his belt, with five goals and seven assists to his name.
His efforts this season have seen the midfielder show how much of an impressive player he is and why he could be able to step into Rice’s shoes for West Ham should he leave in the summer.
For example, both players top the lists at their respective clubs for the number of carries they’ve made into the final third of the pitch (42 vs 50).
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In addition to that, the duo have also made more recoveries (176 vs 213) than any of their teammates this season, showing how effective they are off the ball as well as being rather productive on it going forward.
Hailed for his “exceptional” rise to prominence by Nigel Pearson, Scott has certainly shown the talent he has and why the summer could see him be ready to make the step up from the Championship to the Premier League.
Reaching Rice’s level would be another matter, but the West Ham ace started out as a youngster at the London Stadium himself, having made his debut as an 18-year-old.
Overall, should West Ham find themselves without Rice for next season, securing a summer deal for the Bristol teenager could be a smart way for the club to help fill the hole left by the England international’s potential absence.