Manchester United 'handed boost in Declan Rice pursuit'

West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini has conceded that he cannot offer any guarantees over the future of Declan Rice, who continues to be linked with a move away from the London Stadium.

Rice, 20, only missed four of West Ham's 38 Premier League matches during the 2018-19 campaign.

The midfielder also made his senior England debut back in March, and he has since been linked with a number of clubs - including Manchester United.

Indeed, the Red Devils are said to be prepared to spend big on the youngster this summer, and Pellegrini has admitted that it might be difficult to keep hold of him.

"It's impossible, I cannot know the future," Pellegrini told reporters. "He is, of course, a player who has had a brilliant season, who is 20 years old and an English player who has a lot of qualities.

"Maybe some of the big teams, or all of them, will want him. But that is one thing - the other is whether he will stay here or he goes, and I cannot say at this moment."

Rice only signed a new long-term contract with the Hammers at the end of 2018.