Declan Rice reportedly has a gentlemen’s agreement to stay at West Ham United for one more season amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea and Manchester United target Declan Rice is set to stay at West Ham United for one more season. The England international has been on the transfer radar of Chelsea and Manchester United, but the Hammers have managed to hold on to him.
Reports emerged earlier this season that Rice had turned down an eight-year contract offer from West Ham United, opening the door for a possible summer exit. Manchester United and Chelsea were hot on the heels of West Ham to strike a deal for the midfielder.
However, as it has turned out so far, the Hammers have rejected all advances for the midfielder, who has two years left on his contract, at the club. The 23-year-old is also set to be appointed the club captain for next season following Mark Noble’s departure.
talkSPORT’s Alex Crook believes Rice has a gentlemen’s agreement with West Ham United to stay for another season before leaving next summer. He has claimed that the England international will then join his former club Chelsea, with Mason Mount expected to play a role in Rice’s move to Stamford Bridge.
“It wouldn’t surprise him if he ends up at Chelsea in the long haul,” Crook said on talkSPORT. “People feel that he might have a bit of unfinished business there, possibly similar to Nathan Ake – it looks like he will be on his way back to Stamford Bridge from Man City.”
“We know about his friendship with Mason Mount. Simon [Jordan] will probably tell you that that doesn’t really come into play when players pick their new clubs, but they do have a really strong bond.”
“I think Declan Rice will give West Ham one more year. I think there’s almost a gentleman agreement that he will do that… although we know they don’t mean much in football from the Harry Kane saga last summer.”
“I expect him to leave next summer and if Chelsea are a Champions League club, if they finish in the top four as I would expect them to, I think they’ll be right there knocking on West Ham’s door.”
It will be interesting to see what transpires in the coming seasons and how Rice goes about performing as the full-time West Ham captain. Chelsea and Manchester United will likely be keeping a close watch on his performances, with other prospective suitors also likely to join in if he performs well.
