West Ham captain Declan Rice says he is hoping to make another 200 Premier League appearances after reaching the milestone for the Hammers against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The England international has been heavily linked with a move away at the end of the season, but Rice’s comments suggest that he hasn’t completely shut the door on staying at the London Stadium:

“It’s incredible [reaching 200], it’s absolutely amazing, and down to all the people around me who have kept me level-headed and pushing me to do even better, so hopefully it’s 200 now, and here’s to the next 200!”

It should be pointed out that Rice may simply be stating he wants to play 200 more Premier League matches in general, rather than suggesting that those games will be for West Ham.

The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are believed to be circling the 24-year-old, who will have two years remaining on his contract this summer.

Rice has turned down more than one offer to extend his current deal with the Irons so, if the London club want to make a significant profit from his sale, they will have to let him go when the transfer window opens.