West Ham United skipper Declan Rice will need to make it known if he wants to ignite a move from the London Stadium.

What’s the word?

That is according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, who believes that England international Rice will only see a way out of West Ham sanctioned if he is to actively force through a transfer.

Sheth also feels as though a clear-the-air meeting is needed between the 23-year-old and the Hammers hierarchy.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the reporter said: “If he is to move on next summer, I think it will probably have to be driven by the player himself.

“I think he will start having to make noises to West Ham and say ‘I need to play Champions League football. If we can get it at West Ham, brilliant, I’ll stay because I’ll be playing Champions League football at West Ham.‘

“But it doesn’t look likely that’s going to happen ahead of next season, given the position West Ham United find themselves in.”

Counting the days

Ultimately, as Sheth says, Rice is looking to play Champions League football and West Ham cannot offer him that. 

With Rice’s competitive nature in mind, he will not just want to take part in club football’s most illustrious competition, but he will want to be in the running to win it. 

As such, he will need to secure a move to an elite side that regularly competes. 

The £62k-per-week England international is certainly good enough. 

Just over this World Cup tournament, Rice averaged 2.2 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and 94% pass accuracy per outing – a real indicator of his quality both on and off the ball. 

With the 23-year-old’s contract not expiring until the summer of 2024, and also bearing in mind the Hammers’ option of an additional year, the club will not feel the pressure to sell as of right now. 

This is exactly why Rice will need to be the one to force a way out if this is the option he so wishes to pursue.