By Alex McLeish

2nd Oct, 2021 | 5:00pm

West Ham board in transfer talks 'right now' after Rice reveal - ex-manager

Alex McLeish has claimed the West Ham board will be in talks over a potential exit for contract rebel Declan Rice.

The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Hammers would not stand in the 22-year-old’s way if the “price was right”.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on Monday (September 27th) that West Ham are planning to sell Rice if he continues to rebuff contract offers – with the London club valuing the midfielder at £90million.

A Hammers source confirmed they are planning for the future by continuing to scour the market for a potential replacement.

Rice will have just two years left on his contract next summer, with his situation being closely monitored by interested parties Chelsea and Manchester United.

McLeish insisted West Ham will be “reluctant” to let the combative midfielder depart.

“This situation is probably being discussed by the West Ham board right now,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.

“If he ends up running down his contract he will walk away, so they’ll be thinking about cashing in.

“However, they don’t have someone of his quality who can slot into his position.

“West Ham will be reluctant but I’m sure they’ll let him go if the price is right.”

Rice continued his purple patch in front of goal against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday.

His 29th-minute goal brings his tally to three for the season – including a strike for England against Hungary last month.

He started every game at Euro 2020 as the Three Lions suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat against Italy.

The Hammers captain has made 153 appearances since breaking through in 2017.

In other news, pundit tips West Ham to sign Serie A star.