Declan Rice says desire to play in Champions League is 'urgent'

Declan Rice says his desire to play in the Champions League is ‘URGENT’, piling the pressure on West Ham to finish in the top four… or face selling their £100m midfielder amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United

• Declan Rice has been a standout performer in midfield for West Ham this season
• The England star has helped David Moyes’ men keep pace in the race for top four
• Chelsea and Man United are reportedly eyeing a move for him this summer
• Rice has admitted he wants to play in the Champions League as soon as possible 

Declan Rice admits he is desperate to play Champions League football ‘as urgent as possible’ amid West Ham’s battle for a place in the top four this season.

Rice, 23, has helped the Hammers keep pace in the race for Champions League qualification by producing a number of outstanding performances at the heart of their midfield. 

David Moyes’ men are just two points adrift of fourth place heading into their final 11 games of the season, meaning entry into European football’s elite club competition is very much still up for grabs.

Declan Rice admits he is desperate to play Champions League football ‘as urgent as possible’

Should they miss out on qualification, however, West Ham’s resolve is likely to be tested by hefty offers for Rice in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea and Manchester United are understood to be interested in the England international, who is reportedly valued at more than £100million by his current side.

When asked about his desire to play in the Champions League, Rice, who was voted Premier League Player of the Year at Thursday’s London Football Awards, told the Evening Standard: ‘It is as urgent as possible. I feel like, not only for me, that’s for every young player as well.

‘We are really close with West Ham at the minute and last season it was gutting to lose out on it but we are pushing. 

Rice was named Premier League Player of the Year at Thursday’s London Football Awards

The England midfielder has helped West Ham keep pace in the race for top four this season

‘We’ll keep going. Champions League is a big aim of mine and hopefully one day I can play in it and do well.

‘I feel like I am one of the established top players around the world. I am only 23, so I am still young — that’s what I mean in that sense — but in terms of my playing ability and the way I’ve performed consistently, I see myself as an established player now who’s got good experience and can play at any level if required.’

Rice has just over two years remaining on his current West Ham deal, which includes the option of a further 12 months.

As a result, the east London outfit value their academy graduate at nine figures, which Rice himself is still struggling to comprehend. 

‘You hear those numbers and for me it is crazy,’ he added.

‘All I can do is go out there and perform, regardless of the price tag. I just need to focus on playing well and performing at the best level I can.’

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