Gary Neville has claimed that recent speculation over Declan Rice's future won't harm West Ham, as most people accept that he's going to leave the club "in the next year or two" - just like when Cristiano Ronaldo first quit Manchester United.
Reports emerged this week revealing that Rice has rejected a third contract offer from the Hammers, who are desperate to tie their talisman down to a bumper new deal. However, it's anticipated that Rice - who has attracted long-standing interest from United and Chelsea - will move on in the near future.
And after David Moyes chose to rest Rice for Sunday's clash with Chelsea ahead of the Hammers' Europa League semi-final later this week, Neville believes that West Ham are already bracing themselves for the departure of their star midfielder - even if they appear to have no intention of cashing in on the 23-year-old this summer.
He told Sky Sports: "David Moyes has absolutely done the right 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."
And Neville highlighted how United handled Ronaldo's exit back 2009 as an example for how both the player and the club can handle Rice's inevitable future exit amicably. Ronaldo's £80million transfer to Real Madrid came as no surprise after a move failed to materialise the previous year.
He added: "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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"When Cristiano [Ronaldo] left Man United the first time, it didn’t have an impact on the club because everyone knew what was happening. There was no sort of wondering what was happening, there was no speculation. I think West Ham and Declan Rice could afford to do that with this one because everyone recognises that it’s probably going to happen anyway."
Although Rice has 'no intention' of committing to a new deal with the Hammers, the England star is under contract until the summer of 2024. The Londoners also hold a one-year option, meaning they are under no pressure to cash in on the midfielder - despite interest from some of Europe's big-hitters.
Both Chelsea and Manchester United are set to be in the market for midfield reinforcements in the summer, but it's expected that neither side will be willing to stump up the £150million it would cost to persuade West Ham to sell Rice prematurely.
