West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has suggested that he could be remaining at the London Stadium next season amid speculation over his future.
Rice has enjoyed an excellent season with West Ham, making 34 Premier League appearances as Manuel Pellegrini has made the England international a key part of his starting line-up in his first year in charge.
The midfielder’s impressive form has seen him attract the interest from Manchester United this summer according to the Irish Independent, but the 20-year-old signed a new deal in December which runs until 2024 and carries the option of a further year and he has suggested that he is maintaining his focus on the Hammers ahead of next season.
“Everything’s good. I know there’s speculation but during the season I signed a new five-year contract with West Ham, so my focus is fully on playing for West Ham,” Rice said on his future as quoted by Sky Sports.
“I have a great connection with the fans. The fans love me, I love them, and that’s the way it is at the moment. I’m not thinking about anything else.”
OPINION
Rice’s comments will be very encouraging to West Ham supporters and those in charge at the London Stadium, with the 20-year-old a key part of the Hammers’ plans for next season and beyond. The midfielder has enjoyed an excellent campaign and has demonstrated his ability to be an effective performer for West Ham in the heart of midfield in the Premier League. Rice only signed a new deal in December but his performance level has been so impressive that it has led to speculation over his potential future this summer. It now appears though that Rice is fully committed to West Ham and is concentrating on playing a key part for the Hammers next term. That will be very good news for West Ham, who if they can keep Rice content and settled will have an excellent player at their disposal for the next few seasons. Pellegrini will be looking to build his midfield around the England international in the coming years so will be delighted to see Rice reaffirm his focus is on the club and not on securing a move away.
