The West Ham United youngster has just seven months remaining on his current contract.
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini addressed the media today ahead of his side’s clash with Manchester City on Saturday, and responded when asked whether tying Declan Rice down to a new contract is one of his priorities, as quoted by Football.London.
The 19-year-old burst on to the scene at the London Stadium last season, and he has been quite simply superb this term, establishing himself as a first-team regular at the base of the Hammers’ midfield.
Rice’s contract with West Ham expires in the summer of 2019, however, and he is attracting attention from some of England’s biggest clubs.
According to a report from the Sun, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are all interested in signing the versatile Hammers ace.
Pellegrini spoke to reporters during his pre-match press conference today, and highlighted how important he considers Rice to be to West Ham’s future, as quoted by Football.London:
“I think that Declan is a very important player. I am sure he will continue improving as a player. He has a contract, I hope they will reach an agreement but I cannot say what is happening at this moment.”
If West Ham are to make real progress over the next few years, they must surely offer Rice whatever he wants, and prove to the rest of England that they have the ambition needed to keep hold of arguably their brightest prospect.
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