West Ham’s lack of signings in the January transfer window could cost them key man Declan Rice, according to reports.
When the winter window slammed shut on Monday evening, West Ham had not made a single senior signing.
The Hammers were linked with both Jesse Lingard and Darwin Nunez late in the window, but no deals would be forthcoming.
Now, as per a report from the Telegraph on Tuesday, West Ham face a battle to hang on to Declan Rice after their inactivity in the January transfer window encouraged Rice’s suitors that the midfielder could be prized away this summer.
They elaborate on this by explaining that Rice has turned down two contract offers from West Ham and made it clear that his ambition is to win trophies and play in the Champions League.
And though West Ham had put themselves in a position to challenge for a Champions League spot this season, their rivals believe they may have squandered their opportunity by failing to strengthen their squad.
As a result, clubs are now ready to test the resolve of West Ham’s owners if they now miss out on a Champions League spot and silverware.
Who is interested in West Ham’s Declan Rice?
In terms of potential suitors for Rice, the Telegraph report that the Englishman is a target of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.
All three clubs could down with an extra defensive midfielder in their ranks, with Man City needing a replacement for Fernandinho in the summer when his contract expires.
Chelsea could do with some support in midfield due to Saul Niguez being pretty poor during his loan and N’Golo Kante’s injury struggles.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are perhaps the most in need of a solid no.6 like Rice, though their spot in the top-four this season is not nailed on right now.
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