Declan Rice addresses future amid links with top clubs

Declan Rice has stated that he ‘cannot control’ the rumors around his future, with Chelsea and Manchester United reportedly interested in signing him this summer.

The England international has had another strong season with the Hammers, appearing in 46 games across all competitions and producing five goals and four assists.

Rice’s current term at London Stadium has more than two years remaining, with the option of an additional year, but he recently declined an extension.

Man United are reportedly interested in signing the midfielder in the summer, while Chelsea remain connected with the player they rejected from their academy at the age of 14.

West Ham, on the other hand, are said to value Rice in the region of £150 million, with the Hammers anxious to retain him in the face of mounting rumors.

“I feel like playing well comes with speculation. I’ve had two or three top seasons with West Ham and the top clubs around the country are always going to be watching. It’s not just me, it’s the same for every player,” Rice told Sky Sports News.

“I think it’s important not to get too carried away with that. We’ve had a good season with West Ham and there have been big games I’ve had to play in so I feel like my focus has always been on that. If I thought about other things, I’d get carried away and that wouldn’t be fair on the team or the manager.

“I can’t help speculation, even with the numbers that get talked about. I get battered for it all the time on social media, but I can’t help that. I can help by going on the pitch and performing as best as I can. They [West Ham teammates] wind me up all the time. It’s crazy to speak about, to be honest, so I just kind of block it out and do what I do best and that’s play football.”

Manchester City and Liverpool have also been linked with Rice, who has 10 goals and nine assists in 191 games in all competitions for Moyes’ team.