David Moyes accepts West Ham are likely to lose star amid Manchester United links

West Ham manager David Moyes accepts that he is likely to lose star midfielder Declan Rice in the summer transfer window.

The London club would be wise to start preparing for Rice’s potential exit. It’s never easy to replace such an influential player and his performance against Manchester United showed everyone why he continues to be linked with some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

Rice has been linked with Manchester United as Erik ten Hag begins his search for a new midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.

With 12 months left on Rice’s current deal, the England international is fully expected to part ways at the end of the season.

Speaking to reporters at his press conference on Friday, Moyes admitted he is preparing for life without Rice ahead of expected interest.

“We honestly hope he stays,” Moyes said, as per the Manchester Evening News. “We’d love for him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case at the end of the season.

“So that’s one of the scenarios around plans. There are plans that we have Dec here but we’re also fully aware there is a good chance we won’t have him.”

Arsenal are also linked with the midfielder – but the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool could miss out without Champions League football.

It remains to be seen how much West Ham will demand for Rice’s signature this summer. With 12 months remaining on his contract, anything over £100m should be laughed at.

United have yet to secure Champions League football themselves.

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