This article is part of Football FanCast's Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers...

Recent reports have linked Manchester United with a £70m move for Declan Rice, but the player has made it clear that he believes West Ham is the right place to be.

What did he say?

The 20-year-old gave an in-depth interview with the club, discussing his relationship with other players at the club as well as a pivotal moment under David Moyes which made him realise what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.

Since then, and with Manuel Pellegrini moving him into midfield, he has made great progress in his career. He is now a regular for both the Hammers and the national team, playing in six of England's last eight games.

It is little surprise he has been linked with the Red Devils, but there seems to be no temptation, and instead Rice's words show a commitment to the club which gave him a chance to kickstart his professional career.

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Speaking to whufc.com, he said: "For me, this is the best place to be right now under a manager in Manuel [Pellegrini] who believes in me, gave me my chance and plays me every week. I think West Ham is the best place for me, with the teammates I have around me.

"I’m improving every week and what better person to have around me than Mark Noble? He talks to me all the time about what I can improve on. Being with him on the pitch, he is such an influence on me and helps me out.

"I'm just focused on West Ham and doing my best for them and making the fans happy."

His comments will likely come as a relief to some fans, as should the fact his current contract runs until 2024, meaning West Ham are not in a position where they need to consider a sale, even for £70m.

Wise head on young shoulders

Given the way he plays and the manner in which he speaks it is difficult to believe Rice is so young.

He is very level-headed and knows exactly what he wants and needs to do in regard to progressing as a player and in making Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad, and that must be why both the England boss and Pellegrini have both placed a lot of trust in him.

He speaks very highly of Mark Noble and Jack Wilshere, too, respecting what they've done in the game, and if he continues to learn from top pros such as them then there is no reason why he can't continue to improve.

A lot has been made recently about a possible positional change in the future, and given how adaptable he is - even moving away from home at a young age to play football - one can envisage him doing his utmost to adjust and perform to the highest level he can.

With such drive to be at his best, and a commitment to West Ham, it is possible he can help the club build, and if they can match his ambition over the next few years the Hammers could begin competing for European qualification.