Transfer Centre

Declan Rice 'to stay at West Ham United this summer despite Manchester United interest'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 May 2022

Declan Rice 'to stay at West Ham this summer despite Man United interest'

Declan Rice - linked with Chelsea and Manchester United - agrees to spend at least one more season with West Ham United, according to a report.

Declan Rice has reportedly agreed to spend at least one more season with West Ham United.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive 2021-22 campaign for the Hammers, making 49 appearances in all competitions, contributing five goals and four assists in the process.

In the Premier League, he has managed one goal and four assists in 35 outings, while the England international played a key role in his side reaching the semi-finals of the Europa League, scoring three times in 10 appearances.

Manchester United are believed to be determined to sign the midfielder, with incoming head coach Erik ten Hag viewing him as the ideal player to help the club rebuild.

However, according to The Mirror, Rice will not leave London Stadium during this summer's transfer window, as he is reluctant to move clubs in a World Cup year.

West Ham United's Declan Rice applauds fans on April 14, 2022 © Reuters

West Ham are believed to have set a £150m asking price for a player who still has two years left to run on his current deal, with the option of an additional 12 months.

Chelsea are also thought to be interested in re-signing the player that they released as a youngster, while Manchester City are said to be keeping a close eye on any developments.

A recent report claimed that the Hammers had offered Rice an eight-year contract worth £200,000 a week in a bid to convince him to commit his future to the club.

The midfielder has allegedly turned down the long-term deal but has 'no great desire' to switch clubs at this stage of his career despite being desperate to play in the Champions League.

Rice has made 194 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions, contributing 10 goals and nine assists in the process, and he has been their captain this season in the absence of Mark Noble, who has struggled for regular action in his last campaign at the club.

West Ham United's Declan Rice before the match, January 16, 2022 © Reuters

Man United will sign at least one new central midfielder this summer, with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic both set to move on, but the Red Devils would not be able to commit to a £150m deal for Rice, as the club will not be in the Champions League next term.

The 20-time English champions are instead battling West Ham for sixth in the Premier League table, which would secure a spot in the group stages of the 2022-23 Europa League.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong is also being strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but a lack of top-level European football next term could harm the club's pursuit of the Netherlands international.

Chelsea are also expected to sign a new midfielder this summer once their ownership issues have been addressed, while Man City will be looking to bring in a replacement for Fernandinho, who is leaving Etihad Stadium at the end of his contract.