West Ham United co-chairman David Gold suggested he wants Manuel Pellegrini to turn Declan Rice into an England regular despite the youngster being a Republic of Ireland international.
The Independent report that Gold made the error whilst being interviewed on Radio station talkSPORT.
Pellegrini was announced as David Moyes’ successor yesterday, with the Chilean signing a three-year-deal from which he will pocket £10m per annum
With such a substantial pay-packet, the 64-year-old will be expected to bring success to the London Stadium, although changing the nationality of a player may be too much of an ask.!
Gold said:
I’m looking forward to the new manager turning Declan Rice into a strong English defender for the future of the England team.
Rice emerged from the academy this season, making 27 appearances as part of the back three employed by Moyes.
He has represented his country since U16 level and made his senior debut for Ireland earlier this year.
