West Ham braced for Declan Rice bids as Man Utd and Chelsea boosted in transfer pursuit

West Ham are braced for a battle to hold on to star midfielder Declan Rice, with three Premier League clubs – Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United – reportedly lining up a summer move.

The 23-year-old has already turned down two contract offers from the club, although his current deal is not due to expire until 2024 and the club can exercise a one-year extension.

The Telegraph report the Premier League giants are all monitoring the situation, with West Ham facing a difficult task to keep the England international out of their clutches.

Rice has already racked up nearly 200 appearances in all competitions for the east London outfit since making his debut in 2016.

But there is a feeling of resignation at the London Stadium that he could request a move to a bigger club at the end of the season.

Man United interim coach Ralf Rangnick has shortlisted Rice as one of his targets to add steel to his midfield, while Chelsea – the club he was released from as a teenager – are keen to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.

Despite those doubts over his future, the club’s vice-captain has shown remarkable leadership skills and maturity since becoming a regular member of the Hammers’ side under David Moyes.

He was ever-present for England at Euro 2020, taking up a position in Gareth Southgate’s double pivot alongside Kalvin Phillips, and enjoyed a fine tournament. But his rapid rise has led Rice to believe he could be ready to make the next step in his career.

West Ham value their prized asset beyond £100m, and it is feasible that Rice’s transfer could surpass Jack Grealish’s British record switch to the Etihad Stadium in August 2021.

Which club do you think Declan Rice be playing for at the start of the 2022-23 season?