Declan Rice Is Still Undecided!

The domestic transfer window doesn't even open until the 14th of June and the window for the rest of Europe not until Saturday the 1st of July, but that hasn't stopped frenzied 'click baiting' on an industrial scale occurring.

From vast amounts of media reports and 'insider' information, if you had believed all you see and hear Hammers captain Declan Rice would have been sold five times over to three different clubs!

Playing The Field

Hammers majority shareholder David Sullivan is well known for 'taking a punt' but he also likes boxing and film making, so what does a gambling man with a love of pugilism and celluloid do when he has at his disposal a business 'win win' situation?

Well to continue with the euphemisms he takes a big gamble, fights to the last round and goes public with his inner most workings.

That is exactly what the Hammers supremo has done recently, by going public with his "Declan will most likely go" statement Sullivan has, in his mind, prepped potential buyers and prepared crestfallen fans in one fell swoop to expect the club captain's departure.

Things aren't always as they seem however, there is a distinct possibility that Declan Rice might want to stay on at the club for another YEAR! Yes another year, now that would surely be a fly in the ointment for the Irons supremo wouldn't it? It appears the major force behind Dec's leaving the club is NOT the player, but the board and Mr Sulivan himself.

By playing the "He has given his all for the club and lost £10 Million in wages card" Mr Sullivan has shown his hand in gambling terms, the logic is clearly simple whereby the club gets a pile if loot to fund the coming season's recruitment drive while also admonishing Sullivan from any blame for the situation.

Smoke and Mirrors

Perhaps there are no mirrors or smoke involved, so why on earth go public and let the world and his uncle know the outline of your future plans? Declan himself has NOT confirmed his departure, that is not to say he is staying for another but if he was definitely 100%going he would have said so by now.

Some may view this opinion as clutching at straws, however perhaps Declan Rice is that rare breed of person who puts integrity above gain? Lionel Messi is going to Inter Miami instead of joining 'inter galactic paying' Al Ittihad, turning down ridiculous money in place of playing where he wants, so why not Decs?

"It ain't over 'til the Fat Lady sings" may not be politically correct, but neither are most of the middle eastern countries that are currently offering huge payments to players. We are not suggesting Rice has been offered lucrative contracts by Gulf States, but they do fund some of Europe biggest clubs.

Reports regarding Declan Rice's departure from West Ham are a free hit for media outlets and are needed by journalists and bloggers to keep up their click rate. Perhaps people should take these 'previous' reports with a large pinch of salt, at least until the window actually opens. - Ed