ExWHUemployee has given an update on Declan Rice's situation, while speaking on The West Ham Way podcast (25th March, 1:20:40).

What did he say?

The West Ham United talisman has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent times, with Sky Sports among those reporting about it.

Hammers fans will likely be desperate to see him stay at London Stadium, due to just how important a player he has become, having already made 100 appearances for the club at 21 years old.

On the podcast, ExWHUemployee gave an update on the current situation: "There was talk of Declan Rice and Chelsea being interested. I think Chelsea, like all big clubs, have been monitoring him for a long time now, and they are interested. Obviously, Declan was a big Chelsea fan as a kid, I know they released him so you'd like to think he'd stick two fingers up to them, but he is a massive Chelsea fan.

"It's all hypothetical at the moment because there has been no bid, it would be silly if these clubs weren't interested in him. There has been no bid, whether there will be a bid I don't know."

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Rice is such an important player for West Ham, so if they manage to stay in the Premier League next season, they will surely do all they can to keep him.

Looking at the current campaign, the England international has made 29 league appearances, providing two assists for his teammates.

He has been a solid presence in the midfield, averaging 3 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and 0.2 blocks per game, while also winning 1.4 aerial duels.

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The academy graduate has also been impressive with the ball at his feet, averaging 1.2 dribbles and 0.4 key passes - which is not too bad for someone who sits so deep - while also maintaining a pass success rate of 86.2%.

Rice has already shown what he is capable of producing in a claret and blue shirt, if West Ham can keep hold of him for even one more season then that would be a massive bonus for them.

Meanwhile, Sam Inkersole has praised four West Ham youngsters.