West Ham manager David Moyes has conceded that he might lose Declan Rice to another club this summer and is preparing for his potential exit.
The England star has been linked with Manchester United as Erik ten Hag begins his search for a new midfielder in the upcoming window. Rice has 12 months left on his current deal and the Hammers may look to cash in on the 24-year-old.
Speaking in February last year, ex-Reds boss Moyes said his player was worth more than £100m. The Scot has now admitted he is preparing for Rice’s exit this summer ahead of expected interest.
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In Friday’s press conference ahead of West Ham’s trip to Brentford, Moyes said of Rice: "We honestly hope he stays. We'd love for him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case at the end of the season.
"So that's one of the scenarios around plans. There are plans that we have Dec here but we're also fully aware there is a good chance we won't have him."
Chelsea are also mooted to have an interest in the midfielder. United are on course for a top four finish although Ten Hag has admitted that he is in the dark about his summer budget to help him prepare for next season due to the takeover process.
Rice has underlined his desire to play in the Champions League football on multiple occasions. Speaking in December, he said: "One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League. For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that.
"I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.
"You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in."
Rice guided West Ham to a 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-finals on Thursday, having made the last four of the Europa League last year.
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