David Moyes has been handed a huge boost after a positive claim emerged over one of his most important West Ham stars this week...

What's the word?

A lot has been made of Declan Rice's future at the London Stadium and ahead of the upcoming transfer windows, interest in his signature is already mounting.

The Sun claim that Manchester City are ready to battle Manchester United in their attempts to secure the 22-year-old midfielder next summer.

Chelsea are another side that has regularly been mooted with their former academy starlet, whilst the Telegraph's Matt Law revealed in July that Rice had rejected two contract offers from the Hammers' hierarchy.

But an encouraging update has since emerged.

According to football.london's Tom Clark, the 26-time England international is not for sale and the club aren't open to fielding offers for Moyes' key man.

"What I have been told is he is happy, not for sale & West Ham confirmed to me they've never received an offer for him & aren't open to one," he tweeted. "£100m is value WH have put on him. David Moyes actually said he's worth more than £100m."

Encouraging boost

Rice has been an integral part of West Ham's recent change in fortunes and as vice-captain to the retiring Mark Noble, his influence in this side cannot be disputed.

Last season, the young midfielder ended the campaign as the Irons' fourth highest-rated player as per WhoScored, having led the way for interceptions (1.8), total passes (47.7) and passing accuracy (88%) per game.

He wasn't far behind for tackles (1.8) per match, either.

And after a very impressive Euro 2020, Rice has continued his phenomenal form into 2021/22.

As their current second-best player, as per WhoScored ratings, the English powerhouse is leading the way once again in the same metrics, having averaged 2.3 interceptions, 65.5 passes and a 95% accuracy rate across the Hammers' opening four games thus far.

It merely highlights just how crucial he is to their fortunes as a lot of their play is dictated by him, whilst he also does the dirty work in defensive midfield.

The fact that Moyes values the Rush Green academy graduate at over £100m further reinforces his importance to the squad and is the most perfect endorsement of his rise in recent years.

As much as he deserves to be competing in the Champions League alongside some of his international teammates, those around the London Stadium, particularly the fanbase, can be relieved and excited by this latest development.

Valued at £63m by Transfermarkt, Rice appears to be a West Ham player for the foreseeable future.

AND in other news, Moyes should unleash "unplayable" £36m-rated beast in the Fellaini role this weekend...