Declan Rice drops hint over West Ham future amid Man Utd transfer interest
Declan Rice has been linked with a move to Man Utd after impressing for West Ham in 2018-19
Manchester United have suffered a huge blow in their pursuit of West Ham's highly-rated midfielder Declan Rice.
The England international has been linked with a move to the Red Devils after impressing for the Hammers in 2018-19.
United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to bolster his midfield ranks after losing experienced duo Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera in the last six months.
The Norwegian manager quickly identified Rice as his No.1 target, and believes the 20-year-old can be a long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic.
Declan Rice looks set to remain with West Ham next season (Image: Action Images via Reuters)
But Rice has just one full season of Premier League football under his belt and is seemingly intent on staying put in east London for now.
The defensive midfielder has made clear his desire in his latest social media post, in which he suggested he'll be donning his No.41 shirt.
Asked if he was keeping his shirt next season by a West Ham fan, he replied: "Had loads of people asking this.. I WILL be keeping 41 for this season."
Rice signed a new contract last year to keep him at the club until 2024 and he has no plans to seek a move away.
Rice in action for England against Holland (Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)
"I know that there's speculation but during the season last year I just signed a new five-year contract with West Ham," said Rice, speaking last month.
"So my focus is fully on playing for West Ham. I've got a great connection with the fans; the fans love me and I love them and that's the way it is at the moment. I'm not thinking about anything else, for sure.
"It's been crazy. For me to have thought that I'd be playing as a regular for West Ham in the Premier League at 19 or 20 is something that sometimes you've got to pinch yourself on.
"But it's one you've got to take in you your stride as well – and that's what I'm trying to do."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
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