West Ham have complained to Talksport about criticism from former Tottenham and Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy over the club’s handling of Declan Rice’s contract negotiations, the Guardian reports.
Ex-England international Murphy, who made his name at Liverpool and whose playing career also included a spell at Charlton, appeared on the radio station earlier this week.
Murphy said it was “ridiculous” that Rice had not been tied to a new deal and that the Hammers risked losing him.
According to the Guardian, West Ham believe he should have declared his connection with Neil Fewings, who acts as Rice’s agent and has also represented Murphy.
“I’m amazed West Ham haven’t got him a new contract sorted,” Murphy said. “Why haven’t they sorted it? This lad hasn’t just come into the first team, he’s been around since last season.
“This is typical of lots of clubs who forget to reward young lads when they’re doing really well – and I don’t mean stupid money, I don’t agree with young lads who aren’t in the first team earning £20,000 a week.
“But he is on a very low contract, playing at the top level, dealing with some top players and looking very, very accomplished.
“All of a sudden he’s only got next season on his contract and what, West Ham think the big clubs aren’t watching him now? I’m amazed at West Ham, it’s ridiculous for a lad of this talent.”