West Ham have been handed a bombshell after star youngster Declan Rice rejected a new deal of £8,000 per week by the club amid conflict behind-the-scenes, according to the Mail.
The newspaper reports on their website that the Hammers have offered the 6 foot (source: Transfermarkt) centre-back a new improved deal of £8,000 from his current £3,000 per week deal, but the 19-year-old is said to be unhappy with this offer.
New signing Ryan Fredericks, who arrived from Fulham, is said to have been handed a higher weekly wage by the Hammers, despite having limited top flight experience, and that has led to conflict behind-the-scenes in negotiations.
Having made 31 appearances for West Ham this season, the Republic of Ireland international’s refusal to sign has reportedly caught the attention of several Premier League clubs – meaning that hanging on to Rice this season will be at the top of new boss Manuel Pellegrini’s list.
OPINION
It is clear to understand why the breakthrough youngster is unhappy with his new contract offer, having been a regular first time starter for the Hammers in the 2017/2018 campaign at the tender age of just 19. Rice will feel like that his efforts were not rewarded in the shape of this new contract offer, especially after new signing Ryan Fredericks has been offered more despite having a small amount of Premier League experience. Pellegrini will soon have a fight on his hands to keep the Irish defender at the London Stadium, especially if other rival clubs get a whiff of how Rice is unhappy with his new contract offer. The Hammers need to up their game to keep the young starlet, or they may just regret it if he decides enough is enough and walks out of the exit. He has not even hit his best form yet, and that will be sorely missed if West Ham do not keep him happy.