Former Liverpool star David James has explained why he thinks Declan Rice may consider a move to Anfield within the next few months.
The Reds have been linked with the West Ham midfielder over the last few weeks. The performances of the 23-year-old have also seen the likes of Chelsea credited with an interest in his services.
Rice is currently starring for England at the World Cup in Qatar. The midfielder has played all three group matches to see the Three Lions progress comfortably to the knockout stages of the competition.
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As Rice continues to impress for both club and country, rumours linking him with the likes of Liverpool will continue to swirl. And former Reds goalkeeper James feels that, despite the player’s form, West Ham will do all they can to keep hold of their club captain.
“Not at all because it’s a business decision,” James told GGRecon , when asked if he thinks West Ham will lower their asking price for Rice.
“West Ham losing Declan Rice would be massive and I think if the club was to sell him for less than the fans expect, then that wouldn’t only lose the club money but it would lose them faith with their supporters.
“West Ham still have plenty of time to make their season a decent one and at this moment in time it’s about keeping the fans on side, and keeping Declan is a big part of that.
“Theoretically, he could leave in January depending on how amazing a World Cup he has. If he’s to leave, then it has to be for market value. I can’t see West Ham selling him for less at all.
“The fan in me just wants him to stay at West Ham for the rest of his career. As a footballer, at the end of your career you can look back and think whether you’ve made the right decisions during it.
“The idea of him being a one club man could hold him in better stead when he’s finished playing football, however the player side of me believes you need to maximise everything you can get from the game.
“When you have that talent, the idea of him joining somebody like Liverpool and playing in the Champions League means that you can look back at your career knowing that you’ve challenged for, and won, major trophies. It all depends on what person you are.
“I’d like to think that he wouldn’t want to force himself out of West Ham. I believe it would come down to an open and realistic conversation and I don’t think West Ham would stand in his way if the opportunity arrives for him to join a Champions League competing team.
“Whatever happens, I hope it comes down to a negotiation that everybody’s happy with.”
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