Declan Rice is an important player for West Ham United.
Rice – who can operate as a central defender or as a defensive midfielder – recently announced on Twitter that he has decided to commit his international future to England despite having turned out for the Republic of Ireland senior team thrice.
Former Arsenal and England international attacking midfielder Merson has suggested that West Ham will get offers from bigger clubs for the 20-year-old.
Merson, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, has also suggested that bigger clubs are probably looking at Rice now.
“I just think this could be a problem for West Ham,” Merson wrote in The Daily Star about Rice. “Bigger clubs will be looking at him come the end of the season and probably are now.
“He signed a new contract but it’s not worth a whole lot of money and he could certainly earn a lot more elsewhere. Any of the top teams would take him. Manchester United and Arsenal both need a midfielder.
“Even Manchester City need someone to come in for Fernandinho now and then. Now he’s chosen England, he’s just added to his value. Everyone is looking for young English talent. He ticks all the boxes.”
Major talent
Rice has been superb playing in the defensive midfield role for West Ham this season, and the youngster is firmly one of the first names on manager Manuel Pellegrini’s teamsheet.
West Ham could get offers for the youngster in the next few years, but the 20-year-old could well decide to stay at the London Stadium and play regular first-team football in the Premier League.
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