The latest word surrounding the future of star midfielder Declan Rice will no doubt be met with widespread concern on the part of the West Ham faithful.
This comes with the England international having once again made clear his long-term plans to secure a departure from the club.
As per a report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Rice was recently offered a new contract, worth a whopping £200,000-per-week, to extend his terms in east London.
The 23-year-old, however, has since relaid his decision to reject the deal, amid the understanding that he has no intention of committing to fresh terms with West Ham.
The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, in turn, are expected to express a keen interest in his services once more come the summer.
The board at the London Stadium, however, remain steadfast in their stance that Rice will be going nowhere ahead of next season, in the knowledge that their midfield enforcer’s current contract runs through the summer of 2024, followed by a club option for a further year.
Excl: Declan Rice has turned down third contract offer at West Ham. There’s still no agreement – Rice has always been committed, but he’s now open to a move this summer. ??????? #WHUFC
West Ham insist he’s untouchable as David Moyes said – but Declan Rice won’t sign a new deal. pic.twitter.com/5TIjcO2zUS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 22, 2022
Blues test
Turning attentions back towards the pitch, West Ham, and Rice, are of course primed to return to action this coming Sunday.
Amid the club’s ongoing pursuit of a top-six finish in the Premier League, the Irons will make the trip across London to Stamford Bridge, for a meeting with Thomas Tuchel’s stuttering Chelsea.
Though they themselves were held to a disappointing 1-1 stalemate by relegation-battling Burnley last time out, David Moyes and co. will no doubt be quietly confident of securing a result, with Chelsea fresh off the back of three home defeats on the bounce.
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