Mark Noble thinks West Ham may be defenceless against the transfer interest in Declan Rice from big clubs.
Captain Rice is one of West Ham’s key players, with his performances attracting the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Speculation in the summer linked him with a move away, but he has remained at the club for the current campaign.
However, Noble believes that West Ham may not have the financial muscle to keep hold of the 23-year-old in the future.
“Whether you think things will get dicey at West Ham – and I don’t believe they will – we just can’t cope financially with the top teams,” he said to the Guardian.
“We can try our hardest to recruit the best players that the top five or six don’t buy – and we might get lucky with a few that slip through the net – but you can’t compete with these teams.
“They’re financially too powerful. If a top club wants Declan Rice they’re just going to pay for him, full stop. You’ve seen it with Jack Grealish, with the best players.
“If the top boys want them, we ain’t got a chance.”
Most read in Football
Hammers legend Noble will become the club’s new sporting director in 2023, having retired as a player at the end of last season.
He is set to work closely with the board and manager David Moyes, with the east London side currently in a precarious league position.
West Ham sit 16th in the Premier League and one point above the relegation zone, despite spending over £150million in the summer.
Rice has made 20 appearances for them so far this season, starting every single league game.
Moyes’ side will surely face a tough battle to keep hold of one of their star players in the coming months.
They might not have enough power to do so though, with Rice set to go forth and have a hugely successful career in football.
Betting Offer Of The Day
Bet365: Bet £10 Get £50 In Free Bets – CLAIM HERE
T&Cs: Open account offer. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply 18+ Begambleaware.org
