Ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed that West Ham United are now expecting Declan Rice to leave the club this summer following his omission from the Irons' recent promotional campaign.

The Lowdown: Irons’ advertising campaign

According to Football Insider, the 23-year-old has not featured in any of the Hammers’ promotional content as the East London outfit continue to advertise their new kit ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Back in April, The Athletic reported that David Moyes’ side would only consider bids for their star man if they neared the club’s whopping £150m valuation.

This followed extensive rumours which linked Rice with a move away in January, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United the most prominent of suitors.

The Latest: Kenny’s claim

Kenny, 44, has reacted to Rice’s recent absence in confusion, concluding that it must mean that the midfielder is set to leave the club this summer, otherwise he would be the star of their advertising campaign.

Speaking with Football Insider, he claimed:

“I find it strange that they haven’t had him in the pictures.

“Is it a massive sign that they aren’t expecting him to be there? For me, it is. Why would you not have your main player there?

“He’s a fan favourite, an England international. To not have him on the pictures for the new kit, I just don’t get that.

“Unless they know he isn’t going to be there so there is no point in taking them.”

The Verdict: Worrying absence?

Whilst rumours of an East London exit for Rice are hardly new, the emergence of potential evidence - if you want to call it that - could be viewed as extremely worrying news for West Ham fans.

The England international has refused to sign multiple contract offers with the Irons, but it has been reported that GSB will not allow their star man to leave this summer, with the player’s current deal lasting until the summer of 2024 and an option for a further year which can be triggered by the club.

Therefore, if Kenny’s suggestion is correct and Rice is set to leave this summer, then West Ham are surely counting on an absolutely huge offer for the 23-year-old as his departure would not come without a colossal fee.

In other news: Irons interested in signing James Ward-Prowse...