The 19-year-old Hammers defensive midfielder is currently mulling over whether to play for England or the Republic of Ireland.
West Ham United youngster Declan Rice has plenty to mull over in the coming months regarding his future for club and country.
The 19-year-old is fast becoming a fan favourite at the London Stadium due to his mature, commanding performances in midfield.
However, Rice’s West Ham contract only runs until the end of next season and no new deal has been agreed as of yet.
The teenager is also in the middle of a tug of war between England, where he was born and raised, and the Republic of Ireland, where his paternal grandparents hail from (Irish Independent).
Rice has been capped three times at senior level for Ireland, but not in a competitive match, leaving him eligible to switch to England.
The defensive midfielder has now provided an update on his international future, telling the Daily Mail that he plans to hold talks with new Ireland manager Mick McCarthy.
“Mick has spoken to my dad and he wants to meet us, which I said was fine,” he said.
“There are a lot of things going on with my football at the moment. I’m playing week in, week out and obviously there’s my contract situation, which is a lot to take on at a young age.
“The England-Ireland situation is a lot to take on. I’m just focused on playing for West Ham.”
Though Rice’s international stalemate looks set to continue, Hammers fans will surely be pleased to hear Rice say he’s concentrating on club matters for now.
However, it remains to be seen whether he will pledge his future to the east Londoners on a long-term basis.
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