West Ham United and England midfielder Declan Rice “is making all the noises” that he is still focused on his career with the Irons.
That is according to journalist Toby Cudworth, who was speaking on 90min’s Talking Transfers podcast.
Rice has been an important figure in a period of relative success for West Ham over the past few seasons, helping David Moyes’ side to sixth and seventh-placed finishes in the last two Premier League campaigns – the latter of which included a run to the Europa League semi-final.
The 23-year-old has constantly been linked with a move to Chelsea over the past few years, with the midfielder himself being a fan of the west London club, where he was on the books as a boy.
But Cudworth believes that Rice’s actions suggest that he is “100% committed” to West Ham amid interest from other Premier League clubs.
“I was just saying off camera that Dec’s making all the noises that he still is 100% committed to West Ham.
“You wouldn’t expect him to say anything different in the public domain, but he seemingly loves the club. It’s going to be a big thing if he does go to Chelsea.”
TIF Thoughts on Cudworth’s comments about Declan Rice…
We believe that West Ham fans will be delighted that Rice is showing full commitment to Moyes’ side, with the midfielder arguably being one of their most important players.
The 34-time England international has achieved an average SofaScore rating of 7.18 for his performances in the Premier League this season, which makes him the highest-rated player at the London Stadium, further clarifying his importance to the team.
Therefore, we think that West Ham fans will be desperate for Rice to commit his long-term future to the club, with the London-born midfielder having under two years remaining on his contract.