Glen Johnson believes that whether Declan Rice leaves West Ham in the summer or remains at the London Stadium the Hammers will benefit.
Rice has become an integral part of not just the West Ham midfield but England's as well and has long been linked with a return to Chelsea or a move north to one of the Manchester clubs.
football.london understands that the Hammers have never received a bid for their star man and would not welcome one with Rice not for sale as far as the club are concerned.
The on-field captain has a deal with West Ham until 2024 and the club hold an option to extend that until 2025 putting them in a strong position should any transfer interest move to concrete bids.
Despite the Hammers' insistence Rice is going nowhere former England, West Ham and Chelsea defender Johnson believes Rice will leave the London Stadium sooner rather than later.
"It looks unlikely that he’ll stay at West Ham but it’ll work out for both because if he stays then West Ham keep a world-class player, and if he goes they’ll get a fortune for him," Johnson told bettingodds.com.
Johnson was full of praise for Rice's character adding: "He’s a class act, on and off the pitch. He’s still a young guy, still learning his trade, but I think the way he handles himself is not fake, it’s authentic.
"He’s clearly a lovely guy. I think the more characters we have like that knocking around for England, the better."
When asked if Chelsea should break the bank for Rice Johnson replied: "Yeah, if they don't then someone else will. It’s one of those situations - he’s either going to your rivals or he’s coming to you."
