West Ham United have a fight on their hands.

The Hammers lost 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night, leaving them 17th in the Premier League table.

David Moyes’ side are level on points with 18th-placed AFC Bournemouth, and are just a point clear of Aston Villa in 19th.

They have a tricky run-in, including games against Chelsea, Manchester United, Villa, and Norwich City, who are rock-bottom.

Them dropping through the trap door into the Championship could well see players departing for knock-down fees, and one Irons legend is particularly concerned about the future of Declan Rice.

Frank McAvennie claims that the Irons have a serious fight on their hands to keep the England international on their books, even if they manage to stay up.

Rice, of course, switched allegiance from Republic of Ireland to the Three Lions before his debut under Gareth Southgate and McAvennie believes it is proof he could look to leave the London Stadium.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “I hope Declan Rice sorts his life out. There is a lot of rumours about him going and I am not sure if he will stay this summer.

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“Look what he did to Ireland. He could not make up his mind.

“I do not think he will be a stalwart for England over the next few years because they have got a lot of players coming through.

"Yes Declan is playing every week but he might think that he has to go to a big club and shine to cement his place in the England side.

“But if he goes they will be getting big money for him.”

GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…

This is just an economic reality for West Ham.

The Hammers are battling to preserve their status as a top-flight team and it is little surprise that top clubs will be sniffing around the defensive midfielder.

Rice has emerged as a key player under Southgate for England and is indispensable to the Irons cause; he has made 102 appearances for the Irons and won seven caps for the Three Lions.

He has previously outlined his intention to play in the Champions League and reports have suggested that his former club, Chelsea, head the queue of suitors for the midfielder.

It is a sensible move for Rice; he would be playing at the very highest level instead of scrapping for survival.

It is well worth him considering a move.