£67.5m West Ham star 'isn't going to sign a new contract'

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is unlikely to sign a new deal at the London Stadium, claims journalist Paul Brown.

The east London club would undoubtedly love to extend their vice-captain’s contract; however, it remains a difficult task due to the level of interest in him.

Last month, The Telegraph reported that a trio of Premier League clubs were interested in signing Rice this summer.

That includes Chelsea, who once had the 23-year-old on their books, but bringing him back to west London is likely to be the last thing on their mind right now as they continue to feel the impact of owner Roman Abramovich being sanctioned by the UK government.

As a result of the above, the Blues are unable to sign any players in the next transfer window as things stand.

West Ham will not be resting easy yet, though, with some of Chelsea’s rivals still circling and well in the equation.

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With the chance to potentially join one of English football’s top sides, Brown cannot see Rice signing a new deal at the Hammers. However, the Daily Star journalist is not expecting him to kick up a fuss if his employers do try and make it difficult for him to leave this summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown said: “I don’t think he is someone who is going to force his way out with a formal transfer request or any particular demands, but they’re at a point where he probably isn’t going to sign a new contract because he wants to test the water.”

David Moyes’ side have made really good progress, finishing in sixth last season and competing for European football once again this term.

However, unless they are able to go that one step further and challenge for the top honours like the Premier League