A major update has emerged on the future of Declan Rice at West Ham United...
What's the word?
According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the 22-year-old midfielder is concentrating on enjoying success with the Hammers, rather than attempting to seal a move elsewhere.
"I'd be very, very surprised if he left in the next year or so now," he claimed to GIVEMESPORT.
"I think that the tide turned really and his big moment passed. Now he is fully focused on what he is doing at West Ham."
Some of the Premier League's biggest clubs have been linked with a move for the England regular in recent times.
Back in September, 90min suggested that Rice was preparing for this current season to be his last in the claret and blue amid interest from Liverpool, both Manchester clubs and Chelsea.
Huge boost
This claim, therefore, will serve as a huge boost to manager David Moyes and the Irons squad as it could mean that they get to keep hold of their leading talisman and current vice-captain for a very long time.
With Mark Noble retiring at the end of the season, there is even more of an incentive to stay as he is next in line to pick up the captaincy full-time. The east Londoners have also been competing in the Europa League, where they have advanced into the knockout stages.
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Meanwhile, they currently occupy third place in the Premier League, meaning there is a very good chance that they remain in a European competition ahead of next season.
Their chances of doing so are certainly aided by Rice and his ever-improving form. He is absolutely imperative to Moyes right now.
As per WhoScored, he rates as their best player in both the top-flight (7.46) and in Europe (7.62). Only Ben Johnson (three) averages more tackles per game in the league than Rice (2.7), whilst he tops the charts for interceptions per game (1.9).
Similarly, the bulk of West Ham's play runs through him as he averages a squad-high 58.4 passes per outing, too.
Irons teammate, summer signing Nikola Vlasic, was recently left in awe by the English powerhouse. "He is so fast and so quick and even with the ball this season I think he is much better and improved in attack. He is unbelievable for me, he has impressed me the most," he said (via the Evening Standard).
On the above evidence, you'll struggle to find anyone not hugely excited and buoyed by this development. Moyes is in line for one massive long-term boost if it turns out to be the case.
AND in other news, 32 y/o flop could leave West Ham in January, claims ExWHUemployee...