Moyes says West Ham ‘can’t plan anything’ as Rice move drags on

Perth (Australia) (AFP) – Frustrated West Ham coach David Moyes has lamented Declan Rice’s drawn-out move to Arsenal, saying Friday he “can’t plan anything” until the captain’s transfer is done.

A £105 million ($140 million) deal for the England international midfielder was agreed with Arsenal 10 days ago but he is still officially a West Ham player.

Rice is not though part of West Ham’s touring squad to Australia for pre-season friendlies against Perth Glory and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Premier League season kicks off in a month.

“Until it’s done we can’t plan anything really,” Moyes told reporters in Perth ahead of West Ham’s friendly against Perth Glory on Saturday.

“Everybody knows the situation. We are expecting something to happen.”

Moyes remained coy over possible replacements for the influential Rice, who played a major part in West Ham’s Europa Conference League title win.

“I don’t think we can replace Declan exactly like for like, that is for sure,” he said.

“We will add to the squad. We won’t be giving any thoughts or any names or anything like that.”

With Rice and several other star players absent, West Ham boasts a youthful squad in Perth in the club’s first outing since their European triumph over Fiorentina.

“We’re still buzzing… there are fantastic memories that won’t fade away quickly. But we’ve also moved on and preparing for the next round of games,” said Moyes, whose job was under threat last season with West Ham near the Premier League’s relegation zone.

“We don’t have all of our international players with us due to a late finish and international games so it’s a great opportunity for some young players and the players we have with us now.”

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With pre-season tours fast approaching, managers are beginning to push to land their top summer targets.

Saudi Arabia continues its aggressive pursuit of Europe’s biggest names, with Jordan Henderson mulling over a move, but there are plenty of other moves and bids dominating the agenda across the continent.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has sanctioned a number of high-profile sales – Christian Pulisic to AC Milan being the latest – and so the Blues want to make some additions, while Manchester United are still chasing a new No 1 goalkeeper and striker.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are continuing to dig in in a bid to keep star man Harry Kane from the clutches of Bayern Munich.

Mail Sport takes a look at all the latest news and gossip on Friday.

Chelsea are exploring a swoop for Neymar, provided the Brazilian is ready to leave PSG this summer (Le Parisien)

Bayern Munich chiefs flew into London to meet Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy as Harry Kane transfer talks intensify (The Sun)

Meanwhile, Tottenham are interested in Chelsea’s Levi Colwill – but Blues remain adamant that England U21 star is not for sale (Evening Standard)

Chelsea are set to bid for Lyon starlet Rayan Cherki as they seek a replacement for Christian Pulisic, who has joined AC Milan (ESPN)

West Ham are ready to offer £25million for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse as they look to reinvest Declan Rice’s £105m fee (Mail Sport)

Nottingham Forest and Everton are keen on a move for Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga, but face competition from Borussia Dortmund (The Athletic)

Everton turn attention to Almeria forward El Bilal Toure after completing Ashley Young signing (Mail Sport)

Man United have seen a players-plus-cash offer for Rasmus Hojlund rejected by Atalanta (The Athletic)