The West Ham United defender is reportedly attracting attention from Crystal Palace.
According to a report from the Sun (June 21, page 49), Crystal Palace are considering making a bid for West Ham youngster Declan Rice, and the Hammers quite simply cannot allow the 19-year-old to leave the club this summer.
Manuel Pellegrini was officially appointed as West Ham’s new manager last month, and selling Rice to their south London rivals would be the worst way possible for the Chilean to embark on his tenure in east London.
The Hammers have already made an unpopular decision with the fans by releasing cult hero James Collins, and despite bringing in Issa Diop, they cannot afford to lose another centre-back, especially one with the Irishman’s outstanding potential.
Rice showcased his incredible ability last season, and demonstrated a certain level of maturity that defies his tender years.
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He undoubtedly has the ability to go on and become one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and the Hammers quite simply must do everything within their power to keep hold of him this summer.
Under Pellegrini, the future looks as bright as it has done in a long time at the London Stadium, and in order to make a genuine push for the Europa League spots, not only do they need to add real quality to their squad, but they also need to retain their best players.
And Rice is certainly one of those.
This summer will be a vitally important one for West Ham, and losing the young Irishman doesn’t even bear thinking about.
Sanctioning Rice’s exit would send out a message of weakness to the rest of the league.
On the flip-side, though, if the Hammers keep the 19-year-old, it would prove that they have genuine ambition for the years ahead.
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