JUMPING SHIP
Blow for Ireland as Rice looks ready to declare for England
ENGLAND appear to have won the battle with Ireland to secure Declan Rice’s services.
The West Ham star has a huge decision to make next week on his international future and Sportsmail sources say he is leaning towards playing for Gareth Southgate’s side, although Rice’s advisors insist that he is yet to make any decision.
He has played three times for Martin O’Neill, but is yet to play a competitive fixture, meaning he is still eligible for England. He has also played regularly through the junior age groups for Ireland.
Rice was recently left out of the Ireland squad for the games against Wales and Poland, with O’Neill explaining that the player wanted more time to consider his international future.
Rice qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents, but was born in the English capital to English parents.
He grew up in Kingston, Surrey, and joined Chelsea’s academy as a seven-year-old, joining West Ham at 14 after being released by the Blues.
England’s interest comes as no surprise given Rice’s standing as one of the Premier League’s emerging talents.
It remains unclear how
quickly Southgate would draft him into the senior England squad. The manager names his party to face Croatia and Spain a week on Thursday, though the FA would be required to ratify the move with FIFA before Rice is eligible to become an England player.
He is eligible to play for England’s Under 21s.
Meanwhile, West Ham are at risk of losing Rice in a pay row.
Rice earns just £3,000 a week in a deal that runs until the summer of 2020. West Ham are prepared to increase his wages to £12,000 but the player and his advisers consider that a derisory offer, and it is something they are not even prepared to discuss.
As things stand, West Ham are refusing to budge on their offer, sparking concern that the club risk losing the hugely gifted 19-year-old, who has been outstanding in the last two games against Everton and Chelsea.
There is said to be genuine interest in the player from top Premier League clubs.
According to West Ham’s veteran defender Pablo Zabaleta, Rice could become a West Ham legend and the former Manchester City star has urged the club to secure the teenager’s long-term future as a matter of priority.
‘He has the right ability and attitude to become one of the greatest players for West Ham,’ said Zabaleta.
‘I think he is on the last year of his contract, or something like that, so West Ham need to think about his situation, because even though he is young he looks so mature and he is proving week in, week out, that he can perform for the team.’
Rice is playing in central midfield for the Hammers, with Manuel Pellegrini’s faith in the youngster underlining his growing reputation.
But he is just as adept at playing in central defence, and his versatility is another attractive attribute.