West Ham have to block Declan Rice interest if they are to progress

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Tottenham have reportedly joined the chase for West Ham sensation Declan Rice.

According to the Express, Spurs are planning a £35million raid for the 20-year-old in the summer and Liverpool are also keen on a swoop.

The all-action central midfielder only signed a new five-and-a-half year contract back in December and the Hammers needs to ensure they don’t lose him at the end of the season.

Rice is already one of the most crucial players of Manuel Pellegrini’s squad and his potential exit would mean taking a stride backwards at the London Stadium.

West Ham have the desire to compete for European football and that means they can’t keep losing their best player if it can be avoided.

Rice is now an ever-present under Pellegrini and they would find it hard to find a replacement with such potential.

The defensive midfielder already shows such maturity with the composure he has on the ball and his reading of the game.

He can be a major player going forward over the next few years and the fact he’s come through the ranks at the club makes him a major favourite with supporters.

Rice is already beginning to take over the mantelpiece from club captain Mark Noble in midfield and his influence is massive.

It’s no surprise that two of the Premier League’s elite teams are sniffing around for him, but West Ham have to stand firm over him.