Paul Merson urges Declan Rice to leave West Ham and names 'good move' for midfielder

Paul Merson has urged West Ham’s Declan Rice to leave the club this summer, while labelling a switch to Manchester United as a ‘good move’ for the midfielder.

The 23-year-old has continued to enhance his reputation for the Hammers this season with a string of solid performances in the middle of the park.

Rice helped David Moyes’ side beat Sevilla in the Europa League last 16 earlier this week, with a clash against Lyon awaiting them in the quarter-finals.

Domestically, West Ham are also still in the race for the top four – currently three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

Given his strong performances for the Hammers and England, Rice has been linked with a whole host of clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United.

Arsenal hero Merson feels the time is approaching for Rice to take up a new challenge.

‘Declan Rice should strike while the iron’s hot and leave West Ham this summer,’ Merson told the Daily Star.

‘He’s taken his game to another level this season and is playing N’Golo Kante now, affecting things at both ends of the pitch.

‘I’d be surprised if Declan Rice is playing for West Ham next season. They have completely punched above their weight for months.

‘Where could he go? Depends what happens at Chelsea and who buys the club. Manchester United would be a good move, but will they get in the Champions League? That’s where Rice wants to play.

‘They play Tottenham this weekend and playing Spurs should always be a big game for West Ham but the Europa League game against Sevilla was a bigger one.

‘West Ham have gone past Spurs, and to be honest I don’t know how Tottenham have allowed that to happen. You just hope West Ham don’t miss out on the Champions League by a point or two, because they will be kicking