We've Got Declan-Just Don't Think You Understand!

Hammers recent rise to the higher echelons of football's top table has been comprehensively covered and surprisingly endorsed by the media in general, however there are still many* who 'just don't understand' that Declan Rice IS a West Ham United player through and through.

If he wasn't happy when celebrating with his team mates and in his post match pressers, then he deserves an Oscar for being such a good actor. He could go to the Oscars and pick up a trophy alongside Marvelous Nakamba who would be receiving the best 'over the top reaction to an injury' award following his truly epic display at Villa Park!

The reality is that YES there are many clubs who covet Declan Rice and believe they can lure him to them, there logic being just do the usual stuff, get your pals in the media to constantly mention how good you are and how nuch more money you can pay and finally boast of the competitions in which you are competing, this is how you 'tap a player up successfully!

So who are the clubs that are so good Hammers and Rice would drop their metaphorical pants for and where are they in the League? Top two, Chelsea and Liverpool, neither club are willing to meet Hammers potential asking price, it would irk Chelsea enormously to pay a whole chunk of cash for a player that they 'bounced out' of their Academy as a youngster. Liverpool would be interested but have considerable strength in depth in their midfield and don't need Rice's services acutely, that said Jurgen Kloppp wouldn't say no if he was presented with the player.

Man City are currently third in the League on equal points to West Ham but ahead on goal difference, they too have considerable strength in depth in their midfield and don't need Rice, but Pep wouldn't mind him at the Etihad either. The biggest 'tap up ' club there is are Manchester United who are currently sitting in fifth place, with three points less than Hammers and with an inferior goal difference. Now they DO desperately need Declan Rice, but why would he want to go to them?

If he wants to live in the past and not look to the future, then Old Trafford would be an ideal destination for the 22 year old, if however he wants to be part of an 'experience', one that is unique and that could define the face of football in London, or at least a good part of it for the near future, then West Ham is the place to be! Fans needn't worry about all the contract discussions either, come the time Rice will become Hammers top earner, and rightly so, but he has plenty of time on his and the club's side, after all he could always go to United when he is finally about to hang up his boots for one last pay day couldn't he?

*"While Hammers fans would hate to see him go, they know that he might have ambitions to win some of the biggest trophies and that’s not something he can attain in east London. At least, his sale is expected to bring in a record transfer fee which is some solace for the club". - Yeah, jog on! - LN