As Declan Rice prepares to leave West Ham in the summer transfer window we’ve looked at his three likeliest replacements in the Hammers’ midfield, according to the bookmakers.
James Ward-Prowse (3/1)
The Southampton skipper has been linked with a move away from the club for the past couple of seasons, and that departure seems imminent following his club’s relegation to the Championship.
A wizard from dead-ball situations, and a composed passer of the ball in the midfield, Ward-Prowse could arguably play a role at any Premier League side. Although he doesn’t possess the same defensive qualities that Declan Rice does, paired with a more defensive-minded midfielder will bring out the best in him.
Ward-Prowse has received backing on oddschecker to make the move to the London Stadium, taking 75% of bets since Monday in this market. Newcastle and Tottenham are also rumoured to be interested in him, valued at 3/1 and 8/1 respectively to complete the transfer.
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Scott McTominay (9/1)
The next player on this presents a different option to Ward-Prowse, Scott McTominay has proved himself at Manchester United as a powerhouse in the midfield and it seems his time has come to move on from Old Trafford.
A player who has both international and Champions League experience, the 26-year-old will surely be receiving interest from the Premier League and beyond. Rumours have been circling throughout the season of interest both ways in a move to Newcastle who are favourites in the market at 2/1.
However, if West Ham were to swoop in, he would provide the same qualities in that midfield Rice did alongside Tomas Soucek. The Hammers have taken 50% of bets in this market to bring McTominay in over the summer window.
Conor Gallagher (14/1)
One whose future is probably less decided than the two others on this list is Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher. Prominent under Frank Lampard but less so under Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel, there were times during the season that Gallagher’s summer exit appeared certain.
With the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, it is yet to be known if Gallagher’s future will be in Chelsea blue. Another player who is sure to have his admirers this summer, the England international will surely be on West Ham’s shortlist to replace Rice as an all-purpose central midfielder.
