Declan Rice set for new West Ham deal after rapid rise

Declan Rice will be offered a new contract by West Ham.

The club are just six points above the relegation zone with four matches remaining and have put negotiations with all players on hold while they fight for top-flight survival.

However, West Ham are keen to recognise Rice’s development and will offer an improved long‑term deal regardless of which division they are playing in next season. Rice’s contract, which he signed in March last year, runs until 2020.

The 19-year-old, who began his career at Chelsea before moving to West Ham in 2014, has made considerable progress this season, both as a central defender and holding midfielder.

Rice made his Premier League debut on the final day of last season but has already won his first cap with the Republic of Ireland, appearing in the 1-0 defeat by Turkey last month.

West Ham manager David Moyes was publicly critical of Rice following the 4-1 loss at Arsenal on Sunday, when the teenager’s bad mistake handed the hosts their second goal but has been impressed by his maturity and ability this season.

Midfielder Manuel Lanzini, 25, is likely to be offered a new contract once survival is confirmed.

West Ham must also decide whether to offer defender James Collins, 34, who is out of contract at the end of the season, a new one‑year deal.