West Ham United have dismissed media reports the club have received a £50 million offer from Chelsea for Declan Rice and have declared the midfielder is not for sale this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The Hammers have nurtured the 21-year-old from a youth prospect into an international-calibre star, with the holding midfielder a critical player for David Moyes’ side.
West Ham fans will be concerned with links in the media suggesting other Premier League sides may well be interested in Rice, but the latest report will provide some solace.
Sky Sports suggest the Hammers are not preparing for life without the England international and that the young star is set to start club pre-season in the near future.
West Ham are in a strong position as Rice is currently in a long-term contract situation with the London club, with his current deal not expiring until 2024 and the Irons hierarchy can opt to extend this by 12 months.
The Hammers’ midfield balance has been a question mark in recent times, with an over-reliance on Rice and Mark Noble in the centre of the park.
As such, West Ham supporters will hope that quality players can be brought to the London Stadium this summer to provide competition and strength in depth for the side in the boiler room.
Rice is a key component of the Hammers side, who David Moyes should look to build a team around in a bid for success.