Declan Rice has stated that he is happy and committed to the Hammers, despite interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Red Devils and the Blues might make a move for the 22-year-old ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. Rice’s current value stands at around £90,000,000.
However, the academy graduate is loving his stay at the London Stadium. The midfielder regularly dons the captain’s armband. If he gets distracted by speculation, he feels supporters would notice a decline in form.
Rice not swayed by United, Chelsea interest
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have targeted the Englishman. He wants to play in the Champions League. However, he has shown little sign of committing his long-term future to West Ham.
Rice’s deal runs for three more years, with the option of another year. So far, he rebuffed the club’s attempts to fend off his suitors by giving him a lucrative new contract.
The 22-year-old will captain David Moyes’s side when they host Rapid Vienna in the Europa League. The speculation surrounding his future had not affected his focus.
Rice scored an impressive goal in West Ham’s victory over Dinamo Zagreb in their Group H opener. He appeared upbeat when asked whether the club could convince him to stay.
Ahead of West Ham’s tie against Rapid Vienna, Rice spoke to the press: “Everyone knows how I feel about West Ham and how I feel about playing under the manager and what it’s like playing with the group of players I’m playing with“.
“I think you could see a difference if I wasn’t going out there and giving 100 per cent but every time I’m putting on the shirt – I’ve got the armband on at the moment – my only objective is to go out there and give everything for the club and get three points“.
Rice has made 152 appearances across all competitions for West Ham. He has featured 26 times for the England national team.
The Hammers will miss Ryan Fredericks and are doubtful over right-back Vladimir Coufal ahead of the Austrian side’s visit.
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