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Declan Rice addresses Manchester United, Chelsea transfer links

By Matthew Tranter, Reporter | 22 July 2022

Rice addresses Man United, Chelsea transfer links

West Ham United's 23-year-old midfielder Declan Rice addresses the constant transfer links with potential moves to Manchester United or Chelsea.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has addressed the constant transfer links with potential moves to Manchester United or Chelsea.

The England international enjoyed another impressive campaign for both club and country last season, strengthening his value to the Hammers who continue to retain the services of their captain.

United were heavily linked with a move for the 23-year-old last summer, but West Ham's reported valuation of around £100m put off the Red Devils on that occasion, as well as Chelsea in more recent times, following links of a potential return to the club that he left at the age of 14.

Rumours of a potential move away from the London Stadium do not seem to be going anywhere any time soon, and Rice has admitted his frustrations of being unable to control the continuous talk.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Rice said: "Everyone knows my relationship with the players, the manager. I've never once complained. Every time I put on the shirt it's 'go out there and give 100 per cent' and whatever happens off the pitch will take care of itself.

"I can't control that, what I can control is going out there and trying to be the best player every time I put on the shirt. It is annoying. The numbers that get attached to your name, obviously you can't control that at all.

"There's stuff sometimes that you see which you obviously don't want to hear because it's not really true, in a way. But I can't control that, all I can do is go on the pitch and play football and be happy.

"For the last couple of seasons that is what I've done and that is the faith the manager has put in me so all that speculation stuff, that's what comes with playing good, I suppose."

Since breaking into the first team in 2016-17, Rice has gone on to make 195 senior appearances for the Hammers during his time there, whilst also amassing 32 caps for England in the process.