HARRY REDKNAPP has given his verdict on the future of West Ham star Declan Rice.
By Lewis Winter
Declan Rice: Manchester United and Chelsea target profiled
Chelsea may not want to spend big on Declan Rice because they failed to spot his talent as a youngster, according to Harry Redknapp. Rice spent time in the Chelsea academy but was let go at the age of 14. The 22-year-old has now developed into one of the Premier League's best midfielders and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Gareth Southgate's England side.
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Rice's form in recent seasons has seen him constantly linked with a move away from West Ham.
Chelsea and Manchester United have been the clubs most rumoured to be keen on signing him.
Rice has rejected a new contract at West Ham in recent months as he weighs up his future.
His current deal at the London Stadium expires in 2024 and the Hammers are keen to protect his value.
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Man Utd transfer news: Harry Redknapp doubts Chelsea would want to splash out on Declan Rice (Image: GETTY)
Redknapp, who managed the Irons between 1994 and 2001, would like Rice to stay at the east London club.
However, he admits interest from the likes of United or reigning Premier League champions Manchester City could be too hard to turn down.
But he doubts whether Chelsea will splash out on Rice after letting him leave the club over eight years ago.
“He’s very much a massive part of the team at West Ham,” Redknapp told talkSPORT.
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“It’s a great club to be at and unless he’s going to go Man City, maybe Man United or whatever.
“He’s been at Chelsea as a kid so I think that’d be a difficult one for them, to spend the money having given him away when he was young.
“So I think he’s in a great place at West Ham and I’d like to see him stay there long term.
“He’s in the England team so it’s not holding him back at all and West Ham look like a team who are on the up.
Man Utd transfer news: Declan Rice would cost United a pretty penny (Image: EXPRESS)
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“They could be challenging for trophies in the next year so hopefully, for West Ham’s sake, he stays another few years there.”
Meanwhile, former Wales striker Dean Saunders believes the West Ham owners must back David Moyes in the January transfer window following their successful first half to the season.
Saunders said: "If I was one of the owners now, I’d be saying ‘what do you need, David?’
“West Ham are on the brink of the next step. This is the best team they’ve had for years and years.
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“They’ve got really good players. The thing is now, if they don’t show the players they are going to take the next step your best players will leave.
“If they can see you are trying to win something and going to go forward, the likes of Declan Rice will be saying ‘I’m happy here’.
“If you’re not buying players and going forward, you are going backwards.”
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