West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has once again reiterated that he is happy to remain at the club despite further speculation about his future in recent weeks.

Reports have suggested that Manchester United, in particular, are interested in snapping up the 20-year-old, but speaking out ahead about the rumours, Rice signalled his intention to stay at the London Stadium:

“I signed a five-year contract with West Ham last year, which will keep me at the club until I’m 24, and for me, this is the best place to be right now. I am playing for a manager who has given me my chance and played me week in, week out.”

“I’m improving every week and although I see all this speculation, I don’t really think about it too much. It’s all talk until something happens – and nothing has – so I’m just focused on West Ham, doing my best and making fans happy.”

Rice’s response does indicate that he may be open to a change of scenery in the future, but for the short to medium term, he makes it quite clear where he sees himself playing.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini has given the midfielder a chance to shine in West Ham’s first team over the last twelve months and the England international has repaid him with some top-level performances in the middle of the park.

Rice’s form will inevitably lead to talk about a potential move but he is clearly committed to the Hammers. It would likely take a huge fee for the London club to be even tempted into selling up.