West Ham old boy gives David Moyes transfer hint and identifies ideal Declan Rice replacement

Former West Ham favourite Frank McAvennie has identified the ideal midfield target to replace Declan Rice as he continues to be linked with a move away.

Rice is one of the most in-demand midfielders in Europe right now. The Hammers are keen on keeping him around but will be preparing for the possibility if he does leave.

The 23-year-old is now a Premier League star and is a regular starter for England. He has started all three of England’s World Cup matches so far.

It’s no secret that Rice has plenty of admirers around the league with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all interested.

Rice has now racked up over 200 appearances at West Ham and would surely be tempted by a big-money move elsewhere.

The Hammers haven’t had the best start to the season and currently sit 16th in the Premier League.

Rice remains a pivotal part of how they play and has started in all 15 Premier League matches so far this season.

The midfielder has also featured in five of their Europa Conference League matches and has three goal contributions up until this point.

West Ham would only consider substantial offers for their prized asset. Rice has a deal which runs until 2025, but he has been reluctant to pen a new deal as of late.

Lewis Ferguson would be worthy replacement 

Former Hammer McAvennie has had his say on the situation and thinks West Ham should consider Lewis Ferguson as a target.

While Ferguson is not yet ready to fill the Rice role, he does share some similar traits.

The former Aberdeen midfielder is now establishing himself in Italy with Serie A side Bologna.

“I always said that I like the boy Lewis Ferguson, he’s in Italy now. He’s doing very well,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone.

“The same kind of player as Declan. He’s a big boy, strong, he’s got legs and can run.

“It’s a player like that that we need. The young boy coming through is going to make a name for himself. The fans will love him.

“I don’t know who David [Moyes] would go for but he must know of the boy Lewis, and I think he could make it now. He’s shown you what he’s capable of.

“He done well at Aberdeen and now he’s doing well for Bologna, in the first-team scoring goals. It takes a lot of balls to go over there in the first place. Fair play to the boy. He’ll play in the Premiership at some point.

“Whether he could come in and take Declan’s place at the moment I don’t know but he’s that kind of player. I’m sure David Moyes will have his eyes on him.”

Ferguson spent four seasons with Aberdeen before he was picked up by Serie A outfit Bologna last summer.

The 23-year-old has impressed in Italy so far, scoring three goals in his first nine appearances for the club.

READ MORE: David Moyes, Gary Lineker praise Leeds Utd star as ‘best player on pitch’ after hailing his World Cup display