Julian Dicks told the Football Show on Sky Sports on Wednesday that there’s ‘no reason’ for Declan Rice to leave West Ham if they can continue progressing forward.
90 Minutes have claimed that Liverpool are keen on signing West Ham’s defensive rock this summer, along with a number of other Premier League clubs.
Liverpool are stacked in the midfield department, in terms of numbers, but some of those stars have underperformed over the years, or are injury-prone, and perhaps need replacing.
Not many would have expected it, but the very unlikely scenario from the start of the season might come true, and that’s West Ham finishing above Liverpool.
If that happens then the Hammers would be pretty confident in keeping their star man, as Upton Park legend, Dicks, shared his thoughts on Rice’s future.
“Declan, we gave him his debut when we were there,” said Dicks. “He is a great lad. His feet are firmly on the ground. He works hard in training and in games.
“So, it’s up to him (in regards to his future). West Ham, I think, are a big club. They are proving it, at the moment. But you have to do it, season in and season out.
“I think if that does happen, if the chairman backs the manager with more money and players, then there’s no reason for Declan to move, and if the club can start moving into Europe.
“But again, we have said that many times about West Ham, even when I was there we had good seasons and the next wasn’t good. But hopefully, they can progress and keep their best players.”
Chelsea or Manchester United seems a more viable destination for Rice than Liverpool, but once again, David Moyes’ side are heading towards a direction where he doesn’t need to leave.
Rice is improving as a player, he is becoming a key member of the England team and the Hammers are heading for Europe.
Unless the West Ham owners decide to cash-in, then there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be donning the Claret & Blue colours next season.
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