David Moyes makes admission over Declan Rice’s future

West Ham boss David Moyes has made a huge admission regarding the future of Declan Rice.

The Scot was speaking to The Athletic in a lengthy interview with Alan Shearer where the possibility of the England midfielder leaving the club was discussed.

Moyes acknowledged that keeping Rice will not be easy.

West Ham manager David Moyes has conceded that West Ham must win trophies to make Declan Rice stay in East London.

"He said, “Probably we do, yeah (need to win trophies to keep Rice at West Ham).“So we’ve got to keep driving it on. I have to keep driving and demanding that we keep moving on and being positive in our outlook of where we’re going to be.“I need to keep adding good players, which is part of the club’s responsibility to keep with it.“But the good thing is that we’ve got him for another three and a half years on his contract (until June 2024 with the option of an additional year), so we’re not under pressure from that.We would love him to stay, he’s so important to us, but like everything else we have to show that we can do well at West Ham.”"

Rice previously said he was targeting a Champions League finish this season however, the chance of West Ham finishing in the top four is slim. Therefore, the battle for a Europa or Conference league place is the aim for the rest of of the Premier League campaign.

But the admittance of the need to win things to keep Rice highlights the importance of the Europa League. West Ham’s big comeback victory versus Sevilla will give Rice the impression the club is heading in the right direction and could convince him to stay if West Ham can progress further in the competition and even lift the cup in May.

It has been reported recently that the Irons would need a bid of £150 million for them to sell Rice this summer.

With the situation regarding Chelsea’s ownership unknown, we can’t be sure they will have the funds for him. Man United could also be keen as they’re in desperate need for a holding midfielder and of course there is always Man City and Liverpool.

Don’t discount a move abroad with Real Madrid’s midfield ageing and PSG struggling again in Europe.

There is no doubt that Rice has a desire to lift trophies but also loves West Ham. He has reached a crossroads in his career, what will happen this summer remains to be seen.

If West Ham can get a £150 million bid and re-invest that money into improving the whole squad then many could be tempted to part ways with Rice but any less and West Ham will be keeping him.