West Ham United will not discuss a potential summer move for Declan Rice until the end of the season, according to a report.
West Ham United have reportedly informed clubs interested in Declan Rice that there will be no transfer talks regarding the midfielder until the 2022-23 season has finished.
The England international is widely expected to leave the London Stadium during this summer’s transfer window, with Hammers head coach David Moyes admitting last week that Rice could depart this year.
Arsenal and Manchester United are thought to lead the interest in the 24-year-old, although Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool have also been linked with his services.
The summer transfer window will open next month, and clubs around the globe are already making moves in the market, but according to BBC Sport, there will be no Rice discussions until the season has finished.
The report claims that West Ham are refusing to enter into any talks, as the London club are bidding to reach the final of the Europa Conference League.
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The Hammers have a 2-1 advantage over AZ Alkmaar ahead of the second leg of their semi-final on Thursday night, with the club looking to land their first silverware since 1980.
Rice’s current deal is due to expire next summer; West Ham have the option to extend the agreement for a further 12 months, but the London club will seemingly reluctantly agree to a sale this year.
The Englishman has again been in strong form for the Hammers during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 46 occasions in all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists in the process.
In the Premier League, the midfielder has three goals and two assists in 35 appearances, while he has managed one goal and one assist in nine outings in the Europa Conference League.
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Arsenal are believed to be at the head of the queue for the defensive midfielder, with the Gunners determined to build on what has been a positive 2022-23 campaign.
However, a recent report claimed that Rice’s recent performance against Man United in the Premier League and seen him catapult to the top of the club’s summer wishlist.
West Ham would allegedly be looking for around £100m for the midfielder this summer, but there have been suggestions that a deal could be done for a fee in the region of £70m.
Rice has featured on 241 occasions for the Hammers in all competitions, contributing 14 goals and 13 assists in the process, and he has picked up European experience in both the Europa League and Europa Conference League during his time at the club.
