Has West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini just offered clue over his plans for Declan Rice?

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West Ham United defensive midfielder Declan Rice’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini has told the London Evening Standard that Declan Rice has such a bright future at the London Stadium, which suggests that he is surely desperate to keep the youngster.

Rice has just months remaining on his contract at West Ham, with the club still not agreeing a new deal with their star academy graduate.

But Pellegrini’s comments surely suggest that he wants to keep Rice around at the London Stadium.

“Declan has a great future, in this moment he is a very mature player,” Pellegrini said. “At 19 years old it is not easy, he needs to learn a lot about how to play better in that position but in every ball he gives all in the 95 minutes, he has good recovery and a good technique.

“I think we are seeing a player that you must talk about a lot in future years.”

Rice has played regularly at West Ham this term, with the prospect starring in a defensive midfield role.

The Standard have suggested that West Ham have put talks on hold with Rice, in what looks like a risky strategy.

Rice and the club are yet to agree a wage, although it is believed that the youngster wants to stick around at the London Stadium.

And if Rice does pen a new deal at West Ham, Pellegrini will surely be delighted, judging by his latest comments.