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West Ham United cannot afford to wait any longer to determine Declan Rice’s future, as Manchester United send scouts to the London Stadium, per reports in the Metro.
What’s the word?
The Metro understands that the Red Devils had scouts in attendance of Saturday’s 4-0 drubbing by Manchester City, with their attention firmly on the teenage sensation.
Rice, just 19, has made himself integral to Manuel Pellegrini’s plans at the London Stadium by cementing the defensive midfield role as his own. So far this season, he has been called on 13 times, starting twelve.
The academy product has already been linked with a move back to his original childhood club, Chelsea, after rejecting West Ham’s latest contract offer.
Manchester United have now seemingly joined the race, having previously monitored his progress from afar. Club scouts may also have used Saturday’s game to rule over Marko Arnautovic, with recent reports earmarking the Austrian as a January Old Trafford target.
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What does Rice need to do?
Since the start of the season, Rice has been instrumental for West Ham, giving Pellegrini a consistent option to call on as the defensive midfielder.
The teenager moved up from the centre-back slot with ease, and has commanded the space between defence and midfield even when his side are on the back foot.
Against Manchester City, even though his side conceded four, the 6 foot 1 ace completed 91% of his passes and won two tackles.
Yet still, the Hammers board are comfortable in leaving a decision on his future until the summer. The Guardian reports that the club are happy to let his deal enter the final 12 months, as they would have an option to extend the current contract until 2021 as it is.
But Rice has shown no interest in accepting the previously offered £15,000 a week plus appearance bonuses, and this approach runs the risk of alienating a player who should be a key part of the club’s present and future.
