Bubble burst? Declan Rice has cast doubt over his long-term future at West Ham
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Mark Noble admits West Ham cannot compete financially with leading clubs around Europe but vowed to hold firm over their valuation of Declan Rice.
The Irons legend will begin his role as the club’s new director of football on January 2, a day after the transfer window opens.
While a mid-season move for Rice would seem hugely unlikely, the England international did cast doubt on his long-term future at his boyhood club while away on World Cup duty.
Rice admitted his desire to compete at the top end of European football saying: “I see my friends here who are playing in the Champions League and for big trophies… you only get one career and at the end of your career you want to look back at what you have won and the biggest games you have played in.”
Chelsea, who released Rice at the age of 14, are among those said to be monitoring his situation and were keen on a move during Frank Lampard’s time in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City have been touted as potential landing spots ahead of what could be a huge summer for the 23-year-old.
Rice is under contract until the summer of 2024, though West Ham could trigger a 12-month extension. Still, time is running out to command maximum value should the club captain not sign a new deal.
Speaking to The Guardian, Noble said: “We can try our hardest to recruit the best players that the top five or six don’t buy – and we might get lucky with a few that slip through the net – but you can’t compete with these teams.
“They’re financially too powerful. If a top club wants Declan Rice they’re just going to pay for him, full stop. You’ve seen it with Jack Grealish, with the best players. If the top boys want them, we ain’t got a chance.”
