Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson firmly believes that Declan Rice will be sold by West Ham at the end of the season.
The ex-Arsenal star says that, despite the speculation linking him with other clubs (including Chelsea and Manchester City), he predicts that the England international will end up moving to Old Trafford:
“I think Declan Rice will be gone this summer. I think it will be Man Utd, if you’re Man Utd you’ve got to break the bank. If you look at their midfield it is not strong enough, they don’t dominate football matches and for me, they have to go and get him. I think he is the best in the business, he has improved immensely, he has taken his game up not one or two, I think he has taken it up ten-fold.”
“From a holding midfield player, he is bombing forward, scoring goals, getting chances, and making goals. I can’t talk highly enough of the lad, I think he’s been absolutely phenomenal.”
Merson is jumping the gun somewhat with his prediction. Most media reports suggest that Rice harbours ambitions of playing in the Champions League.
If you look at the Premier League table, you have to say that the Hammers have just as good a chance as United in terms of finishing in the top four currently. David Moyes’ side are only one point behind the Red Devils, albeit having played a game more.
On top of the fact that West Ham are now expected to demand £120m for Rice if a club does make a formal approach this summer, there are no guarantees that the 23-year-old will be leaving the London Stadium.
