Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes West Ham must finish the season strongly if they are to keep hold of Declan Rice beyond the summer.
Manchester United and Chelsea are the two clubs who have been most heavily linked with the England international and Merson claims that only one of those teams really needs to sign him:
“They need to do well this season, because they might lose Declan Rice in the summer. A move to Manchester United or Chelsea could be a massive thing for Rice. Chelsea already have Jorginho, Kante, and Kovacic. United haven’t got any of those players – McTominay is a good midfielder but wouldn’t start for Chelsea. Man United need Rice more than Chelsea do, and they could break the bank for him.”
Champions League qualification seems to be the key to keeping Rice and, while it will be a tough ask, the Hammers are still very much in the race for the top four.
They need to keep up momentum after their win against Watford, though, when they take on Leicester this evening. The Foxes are reeling after being humiliated by Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup last weekend, and they were also easily brushed aside by Liverpool midweek.
With Manchester United dropping more points yesterday, and Arsenal not playing this weekend, David Moyes’ side could take advantage by grabbing the three points today.
