Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville is adamant that Declan Rice will be leaving West Ham 'in the next year or two'.
Rice has earned praise from fans and pundits alike for his displays with the Hammers this season. However, reports this week suggested he had turned down a third contract offer from West Ham and was now open to a move away from the London club.
United have been one of the clubs interested in the 23-year-old. MEN Sport understands that Rice was a target for the club last summer but a move failed to materialise.
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It's no secret that United are prioritising a move for a defensive midfielder this summer. They're looking to secure the services of Kalvin Phillips, with Rice's £150m price stage seemingly causing a stumbling block in their pursuit. However, that situation may now change following Rice's reported interest in leaving the London Stadium.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville claimed that it's only a matter of time before West Ham's midfielder leaves. He said: "David Moyes has absolutely done the right thing to prioritise Europe in the week.
"He’s got a far better chance of making the Champions League that way than through the traditional route that is top four. Declan Rice, we know he’s going to leave in the next year or two.
"Because of the relationship, I think they can be really mature about this. I don’t think it has to be played out in the media.
"They can be really direct, honest and then communicate what they’re going to do. I don’t think there’s any reason to allow the speculation to destroy the dressing room spirit."
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