West Ham linchpin Declan Rice could still leave the club this summer should the Irons miss out on UEFA Champions League qualification.
That’s according to talkSPORT presenter Ade Oladipo, who has claimed the influential central midfielder could move away from east London should David Moyes’ men fall short in the race for a top-four finish.
With just four games to go West Ham sit level on points with fourth-place Chelsea, who they face on Saturday evening at the London Stadium.
Previously touted as a target for the Blues and Manchester United, Oladipo has warned the 22-year-old could seek pastures new without the prospect of elite European football.
Twitter:
“If West Ham don’t make Champions League football, Rice could go.”
“That’s a massive thing! They may need Eur… https://t.co/qckChxRcBU (@talkSPORT)
Rice is currently unable to boost Moyes’ sides chances as the 15-cap England ace remains sidelined with a knee injury picked up on international duty.
Having lead the club as on-field captain for much of the campaign, the London-born combative warrior will remain a huge miss alongside Tomas Soucek at the heart of the Hammers midfield.
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There’s little doubt securing Champions League football for next term would coincide with an almost certainty Rice will stay.
Missing out could make matters more complicated, although given the progression this term it’s unlikely there would be a major problem.
Previously touted as a £100m valued player, Rice himself has admitted he harbours ambitions to compete at the very highest level – something West Ham will be hoping they can match.
