West Ham could take 'massive gamble' over £40.5m star at London Stadium

West Ham United will be taking a ‘massive gamble’ if they fail to agree fresh terms with Tomas Soucek ahead of a potential tug-of-war for London Stadium favourite Declan Rice over the summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Soucek and Rice have struck up a fruitful partnership in east London, with them featuring alongside each other in the heart of the Hammers’ midfield 86 times.

West Ham forked out £17.5million to make Soucek’s loan move from Slavia Prague permanent in the summer of 2020 and he has gone on to impress in claret and blue.

The 27-year-old has found the back of the net 18 times in 97 appearances, with his goals from midfield being invaluable for the Hammers.

However, according to 90min, West Ham have shelved discussions over extending Soucek’s contract until the end of the season.

The report suggests there remains a willingness from both parties to agree fresh terms but, as it stands, the east Londoners have failed to reach an agreement with the 48-cap Czech Republic international.

Soucek, who is valued by Transfermarkt at £40.5million, is approaching the final two years of his £47,000-per-week contract.

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Jones believes West Ham are taking a risk by not tying 27-year-old Soucek down to an extended deal at the London Stadium.

The transfer insider fears the decision could come back to haunt Hammers boss David Moyes if Rice ends up departing the club in the summer.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “It will be a massive gamble to not agree terms with Soucek.

“Suddenly, they could see one of the big players come in and offer the money they want for Declan Rice, so it’s a really key time for West Ham over these talks.”

According to 90min,