Despite all the speculation surrounding Declan Rice and his future at West Ham United, football.london writer Sam Inkersole says the club don’t have to sell one of their prized assets. 

The Daily Star reported that Manchester United are interested in Saul Niguez if Paul Pogba leaves the club, but are also interested in Declan Rice, although it would take close to £100m to sign the England international.

Rice has also been linked with Chelsea, but Inkersole believes West Ham are in the driving seat to keep their star player, telling Transfer Tavern: “The fact is West Ham don’t have to sell, don’t want to sell, so why would they sell. 

“Also, he’s going to cost a heck of a lot of money, West Ham value him at £100m, I suspect a little bit less than that would probably get a deal done if you came up to them on the table and said here’s 70, 80 maybe it could get done, but West Ham hold all the cards, they don’t have to sell him.”

The defensive midfielder formed a formidable partnership with Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips for England at Euro 2020, helping the Three Lions reach the final of the competition.

This was also off the back of a very good season with West Ham, which saw the Hammers finish sixth in the Premier League and qualify for the Europa League.

David Moyes did a terrific job last season and after success on the pitch, the West Ham manager will be hoping to keep hold of his prized assets to help continue the growth of the football club.