West Ham United rising star Declan Rice is a transfer target for rivals Tottenham Hotspur according to the Express, who state Spurs will make a £35 million offer for the versatile Hammer in the summer.
The Irish midfielder has come through the club’s stellar youth ranks into the first-team squad, following in the footsteps of plenty of great players.
Rice has been an essential man in the West Ham midfield this year, with the youngster providing energy, poise and an excellent range of passing.
Add to this the fact that the 20-year-old has become an unlikely leader in the heart of the side and it is clear to see whey he has become a fans favourite among the Hammers supporters.
It goes without saying that West Ham should do everything in their power to keep Rice at the club and selling him to Tottenham would be nothing short of riot-inducing.
However, Hammers fans should pay no attention to the speculation, with the Irish star penning a new contract at the London Stadium recently.
While the allure of potentially playing in the Champions League for Spurs or someone else will be there, the club needs to be strong and resist the temptation of selling Rice for a big fee.
If West Ham are to reach their potential and challenge for a place in the top six any time soon, keeping the club’s key players is a pre-requisite.
Rice is a future club captain and a potential Irons legend – he must be treated as such if the side are to progress.