West Ham stand firm over Manchester United target Declan Rice despite new bargaining position

West Ham remain confident of keeping Declan Rice despite missing out on Champions League qualification.

David Moyes's side were eliminated by Eintracht Frankfurt at the semi-final stage of the Europa League, which was West Ham's last route into the Champions League as they cannot finish fourth in the Premier League.

Manchester United are long-time admirers of Rice, 23, and had identified him as their prime midfield target during provisional recruitment meetings early this season. United have been emboldened by Rice's interest in joining the club since he requested feedback from Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw while on England duty last year.

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United would have had a free run at Rice had they qualified for the Champions League and they have all but conceded in any plans to sign him this year.

West Ham's bargaining position is weaker now as they are likely to drop into the Europa Conference League next season and United are sixth and six points ahead.

Wolves are only three points behind West Ham and have a game in hand, so the Hammers could miss out on European competition altogether.

Rice is contracted to West Ham until 2024 but the club also has the option of a one-year extension and believe they retain the power, despite his determination to play at a higher level.

Moyes has valued Rice at an outlandish £150million, dismissed as posturing by sources, although there is an acceptance Rice has a nine-figure valuation.

Manchester City have no intention of moving for Rice and Chelsea, who are keen on re-signing a player they released as a teenager, are forbidden from negotiating transfers following sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich.

Rice would be a