Journalist drops big claim as ‘superb’ West Ham star set to ‘test the water’ and reject new deal

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is unlikely to sign a new contract with the Irons, according to journalist Paul Brown.

Earlier this year, The Telegraph reported that three of the largest clubs in the Premier League are interested in signing the 23-year-old -who Steven Gerrard dubbed “superb” – this summer.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea were all reported to be in the race for the England midfielder, but due to recent events, the latter now seem to be out of the equation.

The Telegraph further reported that Rice had turned down two contract offers from West Ham, instead favouring a move which would see him compete in the Champions League, with the ambition of winning trophies.

Brown has weighed in on Rice’s situation at West Ham, claiming that he cannot see the midfielder signing a new deal with the Hammers beyond his current contract, which lasts up to 2024.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the journalist proclaimed: “I don’t think he is someone who is going to force his way out with a formal transfer request or any particular demands, but they’re at a point where he probably isn’t going to sign a new contract because he wants to test the water.”

David Moyes’ squad have made fantastic progress over the past few years, as West Ham jumped from 16th in the 2019/20 campaign to a stunning sixth-placed finish in the league last season. This ultimately sparked their incredible Europa League run this year, with the Irons in the quarter-finals of the competition, where they are set to line-up against Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.

However, unless the east London club are able to demonstrate how they will be contending for trophies in the near future (barring the continuation of their European run), it seems likely that