Danny Murphy suggests West Ham must learn from Spurs over Declan Rice

Follow us on Google Discover

Danny Murphy has suggested that West Ham United should have taken a page out of Tottenham Hotspur’s book over Declan Rice.

Danny Murphy has told Jim White’s show on talkSPORT (broadcast on 24/09; 10:26 am) that West Ham have made a huge mistake allowing Declan Rice’s contract to run to this point, insisting that the Hammers should learn from the way that Tottenham deal with young players.

The Sun on Sunday (23/09; page 61) reported at the weekend that the Irons are miles away from agreeing a contract with Rice, whose current deal expires at the end of next season. The report suggested that several clubs are eyeing January bids for Rice.

It would be a huge blow for West Ham to lose the youngster. His last two performances in particular have highlighted how frightening his potential actually is. But Murphy warned West Ham that they can now have few complaints if Rice ultimately decides to leave the club in the future, and suggested that Spurs lead the way when it comes to keeping their brightest prospects happy.

He told talkSPORT: “I think he’s on a very low contract playing in the Premier League, dealing with top players and looking very, very accomplished. And all of a sudden, he’s only got next season left on his contract and West Ham think the big clubs aren’t watching him now?

“Daniel Levy has got critics. But Tottenham’s young players generally get looked after and always get put on good contracts, and each time they do well, they get rewarded. It’s a good way of dealing with young players. And they never get the earth in one go, they have to earn it.

“This ain’t just about West Ham, but too many clubs with the young lads just think they’re happy to be there and forget them. And all of a sudden, they do well and there’s a problem.

“It’s his penultimate season in his contract. It’s ridiculous for a lad of his talent, so I don’t really get it. And I’m amazed with West Ham and I think they’ve got a problem now with these last couple of performances.”

While West Ham may have perhaps dropped the ball letting Rice’s deal run to this stage, he should arguably be keen to remain at the London Stadium as he is playing regularly and playing extremely well.

If West Ham can get Rice to agree a new deal, it would not only be a massive boost for Manuel Pellegrini’s men as they look to build on their last couple of results, but it would also send out an excellent statement as Rice is already threatening to become one of the best players in the Hammers ranks.