If West Ham United’s poor form continues for much longer, insider Frank McAvennie believes midfielder Declan Rice will be looking to move during the January transfer window.
Although he still has two years left on his contract, and the Hammers also retain the option to add another year, Rice’s future has been highly speculated on for quite some time.
Rumored to be sought after by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, the 23-year-old midfielder seems certain to become one of the most expensive players in the country.
However, while a move to one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs has yet to materialize, McAvennie fears it is now only a matter of time.
“I think they will look at a great centre-half again,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.
“It depends on the midfield as well. If they don’t stick the finger out, Declan will walk away. Sooner than later, I want it to be later. I think everyone agrees that he will go next year. All, all West Ham fans.
MORE: Exclusive: Barcelona ‘dreaming’ of Lionel Messi’s shock transfer return
More stories / Last News
“I still think he would stay if the club lived up to its ambitions and bought wonderful players then I think Declan would stay. Because he wants the Champions League and there is no way they can fight for the Champions League places.
“At the moment he’s not even close, so I don’t know what the answer will be, but he’s [Moyes] I have to make changes, that’s for sure.
“To make changes he has to trust the players he can trust. I don’t know who he will bring, but it could be a midfielder. Because there are not many players that he can bring.
“They need an anchor, every team needs one. West Ham don’t have it, that’s for sure. You need someone who sits in midfield. Soucek used to do it but he doesn’t anymore. He is nowhere near that.
