West Ham United are in a good place at this stage of the season as they are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League and in the chase to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.

However, looking beyond what happens this term, it seems as though the east London club could be in danger of entering an unwanted situation regarding the future of one of their key players.

What's the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Paul Brown had this to say about the future of Declan Rice and the possibility of his signing a new contract at the east London club before his current deal expires in the summer of 2024.

He said: "I don’t think he is someone who is going to force his way out with a formal transfer request or any particular demands, but they’re at a point where he probably isn’t going to sign a new contract because he wants to test the water."

Fans will rage if Rice leaves

Since making his senior debut for the Hammers back in May 2017 during a Premier League clash against Burnley under former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic, the Englishman has gone on to make 183 senior appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists along the way.

Having played through the entirety of all but two of West Ham's 30 league games in this campaign, the 23-year-old has racked up more minutes than any other outfield Hammers player, highlighting how crucial he is to David Moyes' side.

The midfielder has also earned himself an overall performance rating of 7.13, making him their second-highest rated player according to WhoScored, with the joint-highest number of interceptions per game (1.7) alongside Tomas Soucek as well as the second-highest number of tackles per game (2.3) behind Arthur Masuaku.

Taking into account how important Rice is for the team, it would be nothing short of a disaster for everyone connected to the club if the Englishman were to reject a new deal and instead make a move away from the London Stadium.

With that in mind, GSB's top priority should be to avoid risking the wrath of the West Ham fans, who would undoubtedly be fuming to see the player leave, and make sure that the England international puts pen to paper on a new deal with his current club.

In other news: Forget Benrahma: "Special" West Ham gem with 97% pass success was Moyes' shining light