Declan Rice has once again addressed the many links to bigger English clubs, reiterating his commitment to West Ham United.
Declan Rice’s name has been linked to some of England’s biggest clubs for the past few seasons. The midfielder has grown into his holding role at West Ham United, particularly under David Moyes’ tutelage and is now a regular for England under Gareth Southgate.
His assuredness on the ball and ability to break up play have been the most eye-catching elements of his displays. Teams such as Manchester United and Chelsea have always admired his talent, while links never ceased to exist during multiple transfer windows.
After a star showing with England at the Euros, many had expected Rice to move clubs, with the giants mentioned above the most likely destinations for the young midfielder. His displays in a West Ham shirt have seen incoming praises from Roy Keane and many others.
Former Manchester United star Paul Ince even urged his club to sign the midfielder in the summer, but West Ham’s high asking price always proved a stumbling block. However, a move might still materialise next summer, but it may now depend on the Hammers’ finish to the season, which they have started rather brightly.
Despite the new season underway and the transfer window closed, journalists’ questions regarding his future continue. Before West Ham’s Europa League game, Rice was again asked about his future amid links to Manchester United and Chelsea. Football London was on hand to post some of his response quotes.
Rice said, “Everyone knows how I feel about West Ham, how I feel about playing for the manager. You can see in my performances nothing’s up; nothing’s concerning me. I’m playing with a smile on my face; I’m going out there, I’m leading the team.
“I think you could see a difference if I wasn’t going out there and giving 100%, but every time I’m putting on the shirt – I’ve got the armband on at the moment – my only objective is to go out there and give everything for the club and get three points. With tomorrow night on the horizon, the only thought on my mind is to go out there and put on a performance for the fans and get the win.”
West Ham are unlikely to sell the midfielder midway in the January window, and clubs might have to wait until the summer to seek his signature. Then it will be a question of the Hammers’ valuation of Rice and if these interested clubs are willing to pay the price to acquire him.
