Rice Sale To Fund Wholesale - Changes Pellegrini On The Fence

Hammers manager Manuel Pellgrini was forthright in his opinion when asked whether Declan Rice would be at the club when next season begins, he was quoted as saying that if a really substantial offer came in for the young West Ham star it would be his duty to put the terms to the club's hierarchy for consideration. Obviously the backlash from such a deal would be massive, but if the major rebuilding programme is to continue, serious funds need to be generated, and that isn't just a case of the chairmen dipping in to their pockets, FFP saw to that (probably much to their relief).

So news that the club have stepped up their hunt for a new centre-back, according to Mundo Deportivo, and have made an €11.5m (roughly £10 Million) bid for Deportivo Alaves defender Guillermo Maripan is a little worrying. As usual West Ham’s initial bid fell well short of Maripan’s €23m (just over £20m) release clause, but Alaves are in financial meltdown and are said to be seriously considering this low ball offer which could see West Ham getting the player for a bargain £10 Million. Maripan apparently wants to move to the Premier League so this transfer will appeal to him, especially as he is Chilean and will have the chance to link up with a fellow countryman as manager.

Hammers are also rumoured to be very close to signing 20 year old french striker AlexisClaude-Maurice, but the likes of Lille, Lyon, Monaco, PSG and RB Leipzig are also said to be interested in him, as are Arsenal. With other high profile targets linked tom the club where is the money going to come from? It is to be hoped, not from the sale of Hammers 'jewel in the crown' Declan Rice, but if push comes to shove what wil happen? - Ed