Young Declan Rice, one of the biggest central midfield prospects in the Premier League, has revealed that he has no intentions of leaving West Ham this summer. The midfielder has an impressive season with West Ham, making 38 appearances and largely shining in that deep midfield role he operates in.
Declan Rice eyed by many Premier League clubs
His impressive displays from deep in midfield has caught the eyes of many Premier League clubs. But the most interested ones are Manchester United, who are undergoing a big overhaul of their squad this summer.
Had loads of people asking this.. I WILL be keeping 41 for this season👊🏼 https://t.co/2M8PYEWM2C
— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) June 24, 2019
United’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, is a big fan of the midfielder. And given that his only defensive central midfield option is an aging Nermanja Matic, the United boss is keen to bolster his options in midfield, with Declan Rice a significant target.
Rice happy to stay at West Ham
Declan Rice, however, seems to have dealt a blow to Solskjaer’s hope by reiterating that he wishes to remain at West Ham. When asked if he plans to wear the no. 41 shirt in the upcoming season, Declan Rice took to Twitter to respond and shut down any rumors of him leaving.
The Englishman has been keen to stress the fact that he has just signed a 5-year contract. Just last month, he was quoted saying, “I know that there’s speculation but I signed a five-year contract with West Ham during the season.”
He then went on to emphasize that his focus was entirely on West Ham and that he enjoys playing for the club and holds the special relationship he has with the fans in high regard.
United forced to look elsewhere
Now that a deal for Rice is off the table, United must look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements.
One of the names that is often mentioned with links to United is Sporting Lisbon’s, Bruno Fernandes. Following an impressive campaign with the Portuguese club, and a Nations League win, the midfielder’s stock is high, and United have a lot of work to do to land him.