Sinclair says Chelsea sanctions a ‘blessing’ for West Ham transfer plan

Follow us on Google Discover

The sanctions facing Chelsea and Roman Abramovich could be a ‘blessing’ for West Ham United and David Moyes’ hopes of retaining Declan Rice, former Premier League hero Trevor Sinclair tells talkSPORT (11 March, 9am). 

Just last week, West Ham’s homegrown hero admitted told the Standard he is desperate to play Champions League football as soon as possible. In fact, Rice went as far as to use the word ‘urgent’.

Now, that does not necessarily mean the England international is entering his final three months as a West Ham player. 

The Hammers may be gracing the Champions League stage themselves next season themselves of course. The high-flying Hammers are just three points behind fourth-place Arsenal and are still in contention to win the Europa League, despite Thursday’s 1-0 first-leg defeat to Sevilla. 

But even if West Ham do miss out on a seat at Europe’s top table, Sinclair believes one potential destination has now closed it’s doors to Rice.

Will Declan Rice stay at West Ham?

“(Chelsea’s sanctions) could be good news for West Ham,” says Sinclair, the former Upton Park favourite. 

“Declan might think; ‘I don’t wanna go anywhere else so I might as well stay. I’m loved at the club, I’m captain of the football club, I’m enjoying my football. So why wouldn’t I stay?’”. 

“That may be a blessing for West Ham fans.”

As things stand, Chelsea won’t be able to sign new players in the summer window. That is a result of the sanctions imposed on Russian owner Roman Abramovich by the British government. 

Of course, the Blues are not the only club who may have been planning to make a move for one of Europe’s best young central midfielders.

As Sinclair points out, Manchester United are crying out for a dominant, dynamic ‘number six’ while, down the road at the Etihad, the long-serving Fernandinho will turn 37 before the season comes to a close. 

“I think West Ham fans would accept it if he went to Manchester City,” Sinclair adds.

“I don’t think they’d accept it if he went to Manchester United because they’re still in transition. This is going to be the ninth year they’ve not won the Premier League. 

“I think they would be disappointed if he did go to United. And, lets get it right, Fernandinho’s not getting any younger. That would be a great move, for me.”