Ferdinand issues verdict on West Ham chances of signing Raphinha

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Rio Ferdinand has claimed on his YouTube channel that West Ham need to keep Declan Rice if they hope to sign the likes of Raphinha or Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United in the summer.

Leeds, of course, faced a late fight to keep two of their key players in the final stages of the January transfer window. Reports claimed that they rejected £50 million bids for both Raphinha and Phillips.

It was a surprising move from the Hammers. Both men are absolutely vital to Marcelo Bielsa’s side. And they are by no means safe from relegation in the Premier League.

Leeds fans will be braced for future offers for the likes of Raphinha and Phillips, amongst others. But if any key players are going to leave, it is surely going to be in a summer window.

The size of West Ham’s reported bids mean that it would not be a huge shock to see the Hammers return for one or both players in the summer.

Much may depend on where both sides finish this season. And it may also depend on who else makes a move for Phillips or Raphinha.

But Ferdinand has suggested that West Ham cashing in on Rice could harm their chances of signing their marquee targets at the end of the season.

“I think their biggest thing in this next window is keeping Declan Rice,” he told his YouTube channel. “If they keep Declan Rice, I think they’ll have an opportunity to bring others into the club.

“But if he goes, it’s going to be difficult to convince the likes of potentially a Raphinha or Kalvin Phillips to come to West Ham I believe.”

Phillips certainly seems unlikely to join West Ham should Rice leave – and Raphinha may take similar view

Of the two, Phillips is arguably the one who would need greater convincing to join West Ham if Rice leaves.

Obviously, the pair have a brilliant relationship after playing together for England. But it is going to take a lot more for any side to tempt the 25-year-old to leave Elland Road.

He has been at Leeds for his entire career. And he is the fulcrum of the side under Bielsa.

If he is going to leave Leeds, he will want to join a club who offer him the chance to take a big step forward in his career.

West Ham are flying right now. But there will be a lot of uncertainty about their position should they end up selling Rice.