Manuel Pellegrini is set for a busy transfer period at West Ham as the newly appointed boss looks to strengthen key positions, while holding onto certain players. In recent days striker Marko Arnautovic has been linked with Manchester United and it has now emerged they 'face a fight' to keep Declan Rice.
The Irish international and promising prospect was West Ham's young player of the year for 2017 when he captained the U23s to promotion. He then had a breakthrough year last season under David Moyes, and according to the Guardian is looking for improved terms of £30,000 a week. The club are reported to be reluctant to meet that fee and offered Rice £15,000 per week, which he rejected.
Rice can operate as a centre-back or defensive midfielder and is still only 19-years-old. His current deal is suggested to be worth £3,000 a week and expires in 2020.
The reported terms have angered West Ham fans online, and an improved offer is expected.
