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Hammers legend Frank McAvennie believes that Declan Rice would be foolish to leave West Ham at present - and hopes that he remains at the club for many years to come.

A story in today's Express contained quotes by Noel Whelen, in which the former Leeds forward speculated that Manchester United might make a bid for the 20-year-old in the forthcoming January transfer window.



That led to a number of sources - including the BBC - to report that the Red Devils are preparing an imminent bid for the England international, who was the subject of speculation regarding his future during the summer.

However McAvennie, in conversation with Love Sport Radio, maintained that Rice would have little to gain by seeking to join a club such as Manchester United who are already two points adrift of the Hammers in the Premier League table.

"He doesn’t have to go anywhere with the money West Ham pay their players now," said the KUMB Live star.

"If he wants to go to Man United for trophies, they might be a bigger club but they’re not going to win any trophies in the foreseeable future. I wouldn’t expect him to move on.

"I don’t think he’s ready for the big clubs yet, or so-called big ones. I think he’s doing wonderful. He started at centre-half and now he’s a great foil for the captain [Mark] Noble.



"I think West Ham have got some wonderful players in midfield like [Felipe] Anderson, [Andriy] Yarmolenko and [Manuel] Lanzini.

"They’ve got firepower in midfield. Rice sits there in the middle and he will be there for England and West Ham for many years, I’m hoping."

Rice is set to make his latest England appearance when the Three Lions tackle Kosovo in tonight's Euro 2020 qualifier at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium.

The game is being broadcast live on terrestrial television by ITV and also via the web on ITV's website and the ITV Hub app. Coverage begins at 7pm and the match is scheduled to start at 7:45pm.

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