England international Declan Rice has indicated that he is content playing for West Ham United amid the recent speculation over his future. The 20-year-old has been widely linked with a big-money move to Manchester United and of late, there has been the gossip that the Red Devils may approach to land his signature at the turn of the year.

In a report covered by The Mirror, Rice indicated that he has more than four years remaining on his current deal with the Hammers and he is at the best place at the current point of time, he told: “I signed a five-year contract with West Ham last year, which will keep me at club till I’m 24, and for me this is the best place to be right now. I am playing for a manager who has given me my chance and played me week in week out. I’m improving every week and although I see all this speculation, I don’t really think about it too much. It’s all talk until something happens – and nothing has – so I’m just focused on West Ham, doing my best and making fans happy.”

Manchester United have parted ways with both Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera this year and they have yet to find a replacement for the duo. During the summer, there was the talk of either Bruno Fernandes or Sean Longstaff making the move but they could not secure an agreement for one of them before the Premier League transfer deadline.

Scott McTominay has been the regular choice for the holding midfield role this season and the Scotland international has earned plaudits for the consistency. Nonetheless, United are aiming to secure another midfielder who can provide the solidity in front of the defence and reports have recently claimed that the club could make a £70m bid for Rice when the transfer window reopens. It remains to be seen whether the Hammers would be tempted by the proposal.