West Ham fans may have been dealt a consolation after recent reports claimed that Declan Rice will not be pushing to leave the club mid-season in January.
Actor and diehard West Ham fan Ray Winstone served as a mouthpiece for much of the Hammers’ fanbase after he pleaded with Rice to stay and become ‘another Bobby Moore’ amid ongoing interest from Chelsea.
The academy product is a much-loved figure in the heart of the Hammers’ midfield, and the England international’s quality has unsurprisingly seen him linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
The latest reports from The Mirror indicate that Rice remains Frank Lampard’s top transfer priority as the ex-West Ham and Chelsea midfielder recognises the talent which the 21-year-old could add to the Blues.
While Rice continues to yearn for a return to the club he left when he was 14 following his release in west London and the prospect of a deal remains strong, the midfielder will not look to force a January move out of respect for his current club. [The Mirror]
Although Chelsea are apparently planning to go in for the 21-year-old in January, that move is ultimately set to be snubbed by both club and player.
Read West Ham Verdict
Retaining Rice is looking to be an increasingly uphill battle for the Hammers.
However, the latest reports should come as a relief; they show the tremendous working relationship between Rice and the West Ham hierarchy, giving breathing room for the remainder of the season.
Even if some Irons fans may feel that his departure is inevitable, they are bound to appreciate his loyalty to the club until the end of this campaign at least, rather than leaving them high and dry mid-season.
