West Ham are confident that Declan Rice will sign fresh terms with the club, according to Sky Sports News.
The 19-year-old has a contract until summer 2020 with West Ham having the option to extend it by another year.
But the Hammers want him to commit to a long-term deal and are hopeful that this can be resolved soon.
Rice at West Ham
Rice came through the academy at West Ham, joining as a schoolboy after leaving Chelsea.
He shone at youth level for West Ham and has won the Young Hammer of the Year award for two seasons running.
Still just 19, Rice has well over 30 first-team appearances to his name after establishing himself as a member of the senior squad.
This season, the 3-cap Republic of Ireland international has really established himself.
Although he can play in central defence, Rice is starting to make his mark as a specialist holding midfielder.
In Manuel Pellegrini’s new 4-3-3 formation, Rice sits behind the other two central midfielders and breaks up the play.
After standout displays against Everton and Chelsea – helping the Irons to four points – his stock is continuing to rise.
The verdict
Sorting out Rice’s contract situation must be a priority for West Ham.
It is clear that Rice is one of the most talented players to come out of the West Ham academy in years.
He plays with maturity, composure and passion, demonstrating all the signs that he can become a top player.
Rice is a future West Ham captain in the making and the club need to reward the talented teenager with a contract that reflects his influence in the first-team.
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