West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has said that he 'cannot help' the speculation surrounding his future, with Chelsea and Manchester United allegedly both keen to sign him this summer.
The England international has enjoyed another impressive campaign for the Hammers, making 46 appearances in all competitions, contributing five goals and four assists in the process.
Rice still has more than two years left to run on his current deal at London Stadium, with the option of another year, but he has recently turned down the chance to pen an extension.
Man United are believed to be keen on a summer move for the midfielder, while Chelsea continue to be linked with the player that they released from their academy at the age of 14.
However, West Ham are thought to value Rice in the region of £150m, with the Hammers desperate to keep hold of him amid the growing speculation.
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The Englishman has said that he has had "two or three top seasons with West Ham", but he is refusing to get "carried away" with the recent rumours surrounding a big-money exit.
"I feel like playing well comes with speculation. I've had two or three top seasons with West Ham and the top clubs around the country are always going to be watching. It's not just me, it's the same for every player," Rice told Sky Sports News.
"I think it's important not to get too carried away with that. We've had a good season with West Ham and there have been big games I've had to play in so I feel like my focus has always been on that. If I thought about other things, I'd get carried away and that wouldn't be fair on the team or the manager.
"I can't help speculation, even with the numbers that get talked about. I get battered for it all the time on social media, but I can't help that. I can help by going on the pitch and performing as best as I can. They [West Ham teammates] wind me up all the time. It's crazy to speak about to be honest, so I just kind of block it out and do what I do best and that's play football."
Rice, who is also now a vital player for England, has netted once and provided four assists in 33 Premier League appearances for David Moyes's side during the 2021-22 campaign.
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The midfielder has also played a leading role in West Ham's run to the semi-finals of the Europa League, scoring three times in nine appearances, and the Hammers will head to Eintracht Frankfurt later this week for the second leg of their semi-final.
Manchester City and Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in Rice, who has scored 10 times and registered nine assists in 191 appearances for Moyes's side in all competitions.
West Ham could ultimately price the midfielder out of a summer exit, though, with Man United already believed to be looking at cheaper alternatives to the former Chelsea youngster.
The Red Devils will sign at least one new central midfielder this summer, as both Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba are preparing to leave the club in search of pastures new.
Sanctions placed on current Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich are preventing the club from acting in the transfer market at this moment in time, but the Blues are expected to soon have a new owner in place.
West Ham will take on Norwich City, Man City and Brighton & Hove Albion in their final three Premier League games of the season, while Rice will be bidding to lead the Hammers to the Europa League final, but the capital outfit trail 2-1 from the first leg of their semi-final with Frankfurt.
Matt Law
