West Ham United are reportedly ready to wait until next summer before resuming talks with Declan Rice over a new contract with the club.
Rice's current deal expires in the summer of 2020 but initial negotiations over an extension have dragged on, with West Ham having now put the talks on hold.
The Hammers do have an option to extend Rice's current terms by a further 12 months, and The Guardian reports that they are confident they will not lose the 19-year-old for free.
Rice has broken into the first team at the London Stadium this season and his form has seen him linked with a move to Manchester United, who are understood to have scouted the youngster.
The versatile defender currently earns £3,000 per week but is pushing for a new £30,000-a-week contract, while the club's opening offer was £15,000.
Rice is thought to be happy at the club but is willing to consider his options should West Ham fail to match his wage demands.
Barney Corkhill
