West Ham United

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has played down rumours he could leave the Hammers and move to Manchester United.

The England international said he is enjoying being a regular under manager Manuel Pellegrini and is keeping his focus fixed on the Hammers, per Alec Fenn for MailOnline.

"I signed a five-year contract with West Ham last year, which will keep me at club till I'm 24, and for me this is the best place to be right now.

"I am playing for a manager who has given me my chance and played me week in week out. ... It's all talk until something happens - and nothing has - so I'm just focused on West Ham, doing my best and making fans happy."

Manchester United are "monitoring his development" and could bid £70 million for the 20-year-old in the January transfer window, according to Simon Mullock at the Sunday Mirror.

Rice is a defensive midfielder who has risen to prominence at West Ham and made his England debut against the Czech Republic in March in UEFA 2020 European Championship qualifying.

West Ham highlighted the impact he has made since making his debut for the London club:

Two years ago today @_DeclanRice made his debut against Burnley. Since then he has...

✅ Scored the winner vs Arsenal
✅ Won two Young Hammer of the Year awards
✅ Made it into the @EASPORTSFIFA PL Team of the Season
✅ Become a full @England international

What a talent! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/FDaCgEgEdf

— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 21, 2019

His performances have seen him draw praise from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola last season, who has tipped him to have a big future:

Pep: "Declan Rice is an excellent young player and he will be a top player in English football for many years." #WHUFC

— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) November 24, 2018

Rice spoke to FourFourTwo (h/t MailOnline's Anthony Hay) about reported interest from Manchester United in September. He said: "Don't get me wrong, I think I've got the ability to play for a club like that. But it's all about the timing, and I don't think the timing is right for me at all. I've still got so much to learn."

Manchester United have endured a dismal start to the season and have managed just nine points from their opening Premier League games. They look in need of reinforcements to strengthen their squad and are expected to back manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the transfer market.

The Red Devils "will make up to four signings in each of the next two summer transfer windows," according to Jason Burt at the Daily Telegraph.

Rice may fit the bill given he is young, has plenty of potential and has valuable Premier League and international experience already.

Yet Manchester United's priority in the next transfer window looks to be in attack. The club allowed Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to leave in the summer without being replaced and have struggled for creativity and goals in the early weeks of the 2019-20 campaign.

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has voiced reservations about the Red Devils potentially signing West Ham United's Declan Rice.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football (h/t Metro), the former United captain questioned whether the Manchester giants should consider a big-money move to bring the England international to Old Trafford. When asked if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should sign Rice, Neville replied:

"I don't know. I mean, you talk about £80 million, £90 million to get him out of West Ham. We've seen a bid for Wilfried Zaha from Everton for £70 million odd [which was rejected]. To get players out of the likes of West Ham now, Crystal Palace, it's not going to be easy, so it's going to cost a fortune.

"Would I say yes now at £80 million or £90 million? I'm not feeling that personally at this moment in time. But am I seeing a really good player who could potentially develop into something fantastic for the next 10 years? Yes, I really do think that."

Rice has experienced a meteoric rise in the past 12 months, and the defensive midfielder is now considered one of the hottest talents in English football.

Neville added the presence of Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay at United negated the current need for the club to add the youngster to the squad. McTominay has battled his way through the club ranks, and is now a regular starter in Solskjaer's side. The Scotland international is much improved on the ball, and his reading of the game has seen him produce a number of impressive performances over the past year.

Neville's fellow Sky pundit Jamie Carragher agreed United could better invest their transfer budget if West Ham rate Rice at £90 million (h/t Metro).

"Obviously the price, I wouldn't pay £90 million for him, of course I wouldn't," said Carragher. "But if you're talking £50 million, maybe more, I think he could do a job for a Champions League team."

According to West Ham's official Twitter account, Rice said he is focused on improving his performances in the capital:

"I’m still only 20-years-old and as a holding midfielder I’ve still got so much to learn. I’ve just got to keep my head down and keep working hard. I’ve got a manager who believes in me and I just need to keep playing my football." - @_DeclanRice pic.twitter.com/vb7z1pFrEK

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 17, 2019

The player started 34 Premier League games for the Hammers last term, and he has blossomed since being released by Chelsea's academy in 2014, prompting his switch to the Hammers' youth system.

Rice is developing quickly, and West Ham will face a battle to retain a burgeoning talent who could become a world-class player. 

His current value would be lofty, given the prices of top English players in the Premier League, but he could be worth significantly more in the years ahead.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has played down speculation linking him with moves to Manchester United and Manchester City, saying he's happy to be playing regular minutes at his current club.

The 20-year-old spoke to BT Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News' Josh Challies) and said he's trying to ignore all of the speculation:

"I'm happy. I'm playing week in week out. I have a special connection with the fans. It's unbelievable [the London Stadium]. I love every minute of being at West Ham.

"Being compared to players, being linked to other teams, I don't really take any of it in to be honest. If you think about it too much you get caught up in it.

"I'm only 20, you've got your whole career ahead of you. I'm just focused on playing for West Ham and playing with a smile on my face and enjoying it."

According to Challies, the Citizens see Rice as a natural heir to Fernandinho, while United are also keeping an eye on the England international. The Daily Mail (h/t TalkSport's Billy Hawkins) added Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to the list of suitors.

The youngster has enjoyed a breakout campaign that resulted in a first cap for England during the most recent international break. He stands out for his simple yet effective style of play:

Declan Rice on full England debut did what Declan Rice does week in, week out for West Ham. Blocked counter attacks, won the ball quickly, kept it simple and forward with his passing. Quietly effective. Very solid first start for the Three Lions. pic.twitter.com/hioJxSD72a

— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) March 25, 2019

Rice's rapid progression and solid all-round skill set make him a top target for England's best clubs, but the midfielder has yet to give any indication he plans on leaving the Hammers anytime soon. He also signed a new deal in December:

special moment for me & my family. Delighted to have signed a contract extension with @WestHamUtd now to keep pushing & improving❤️⚒. #RICE2024 #COYI pic.twitter.com/aJJn0mm6u3

— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) December 28, 2018

The long-term commitment gives West Ham all leverage in exit talks and is a strong indication Rice wishes to continue his career in east London for the foreseeable future.

West Ham have a historic reputation for developing talent and have so far done a tremendous job with their latest starlet. Jamie Redknapp pointed out how West Ham have handled him well in the last year:

JAMIE REDKNAPP: Eight months ago he was about to ask West Ham United for a loan... now Declan Rice is playing for England https://t.co/mA8aCEQG6B pic.twitter.com/ipCjRLVYvN

— Mail Sport (@MailSport) March 30, 2019

Rice knows all too well how difficult it can be to make it at a top club; he spent the bulk of his youth career with Chelsea, where he was released in 2014.

At the age of 20, he still has tons of room for improvement, and regular minutes at the Premier League level can only help. He finds himself in a perfect situation at West Ham, and more time at his current club can only be a good thing while he tries to establish himself as a regular for the Three Lions.

That won't stop the Premier League's giants from trying their luck, but Rice has time on his side.

West Ham United have completed an investigation into racist abuse aimed at Liverpool's Mohamed Salah on Monday night. The Hammers released a statement (h/t BBC Sport) confirming the club "has handed evidence to the Metropolitan Police."

West Ham described the incident, which took place during the east London club's 1-1 draw with Liverpool at the London Stadium, as "abhorrent racist abuse."

A supporter in attendance filmed abuse being shouted towards Salah, who was taking a corner for the visitors at the time. The footage was shared on Twitter, with West Ham launching a "thorough and immediate" investigation.

With the process finished, West Ham's statement also reaffirmed the club's policy on dealing with this type of behaviour: "The club is unequivocal in its stance—such abuse will not be tolerated."

Metropolitan Police confirmed on Wednesday they were looking at the video of the incident, per Sky Sports News. While the authorities said arrests hadn't been made, an appeal was made to other witnesses to come forward.

West Ham submitting the club's own findings to the police could be the first step towards the two agencies identifying possible offenders.

Liverpool, West Ham and Salah will naturally hope for a swift and just resolution to the events of Monday night. Lord Ousley, chairman of the Kick It Out organisation aimed at combatting forms of discrimination within the game, will also be hoping appropriate punishments are meted out.

Ousley spoke to BBC Sport on Thursday and was critical of how English football's governing bodies go about solving the problem. He said "those with power do not exercise their responsibilities" in the right way.

Kick It Out had previously released a statement pledging to assist the investigative processes:

We have released a statement following the emergence of a video on social media showing a West Ham United supporter shouting anti-Muslim abuse at Mohamed Salah.

Yet another disgraceful incident of discrimination in football: https://t.co/sJWVyhGJik pic.twitter.com/UBoYJ5ulBc

— Kick It Out (@kickitout) February 6, 2019

Salah will expect to be in action when Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday with first place in the Premier League available. Meanwhile, the Hammers travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in a London derby on the same day. 

Marko Arnautovic has ended speculation he will leave West Ham United during the January transfer window by signing a contract extension with the Premier League side.

The London club confirmed the news via its official website on Saturday, barely minutes after the Hammers lost 4-2 to League One side AFC Wimbledon in the fourth round of the 2019 FA Cup.

Although no details about the length of the extension were revealed, Sky Sports News has reported the prolific striker has extended his previous contract by a year:

.@SkySportsNews understands Marko Arnautovic extended his existing @WestHamUtd contract by a year until 2023 #SSN

More on Transfer Centre LIVE! https://t.co/MxHv5chQ13

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 26, 2019

Arnautovic made it clear he's happy with his decision:

"I love this club and I will always love this club no matter what. You have decisions you have to make in life, but I say from now it doesn't matter what happens I will always love West Ham and it will always be a big part in my life. I love this happiness, so listen, I'm here, I'm ready. I hope the fans are also ready and we go again."

The 29-year-old addressed his relationship with West Ham fans and refuted any suggestion he was unwilling to play unless he was allowed to leave: "I'm happy for this and I want to say to the fans that I'm happy to stay. I glad to play again, show myself and score goals, to make assists, but also to say that the major point is Marko Arnautovic never refused (to play or train). I would never refuse."

Arnautovic also spoke to the fans via a video posted on the team's Twitter account, during which he urged them not to listen to those outside the club:

A message from Marko Arnautovic to the fans: pic.twitter.com/QgLFhMuynm

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 26, 2019

The news should be welcome for a team that's endured a miserable run of back-to-back defeats in all competitions. Even so, some couldn't help but find humour in the announcement's unfortunate timing, coming as it did so soon after an embarrassing cup exit against a team that's in the bottom of English football's third tier:

Timing 😂👏 https://t.co/CJjQbkTaTm

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) January 26, 2019

This whole Marko Arnautovic situation this evening is completely and utterly absurd. #WHUFC

— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) January 26, 2019

Pellegrini refused to answer questions on Arnautovic’s new contract extension post-match. https://t.co/JKjHdD2vek

— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) January 26, 2019

Regardless of the timing, the news can only be a good thing for the Hammers. Arnautovic's become the attacking talisman for the team since both David Moyes and the Scot's successor, Manuel Pellegrini, deployed him as a lone striker.

Arnautovic has delivered in the key role, finding the net eight times and chipping in with two assists in all competitions this season. His mix of power and technique make him an ideal modern striker, one able to play with his back to goal to hold the ball up and bring others into play.

The latter quality is especially useful in a squad that features creative wide players Felipe Anderson and Robert Snodgrass. Pellegrini's version of free-flowing football clicks when Arnautovic is leading the line.

This is also a major boost for Pellegrini, who is struggling to coax consistency from an expensive squad. By confirming Arnautovic is staying, the Hammers have ended speculation that involved reports of an offer worth £36 million from a Chinese Super League club thought to be Shanghai SIPG.

Arnautovic took to Instagram on Friday to assure fans he would stay at the London Stadium despite the lucrative offer, per BBC Sport.

He's always been a temperamental player and has never stayed far from controversy for long. Yet there's no denying the positive impact the maverick talent can have on the pitch.

West Ham will hope officially ending this brewing transfer saga can get their best player back on track, starting with Tuesday's league game away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Marko Arnautovic says he will stay at West Ham United despite receiving a "very tempting" offer in the January transfer window.

The forward has addressed speculation over his future in a post on Instagram, per BBC Sport:

"I guess it's no secret there has been an offer for me, and I have to admit the offer was a very tempting one for me and my family.

"I have given 100 percent to my club duties, but I have also needed some time to talk to my club, my wife and the rest of my family. I have now decided to put a stop to all the writings and speculation.

"It is clear that London and West Ham United feels like home for me, and I hope the West Ham fans have always seen that.

"Let's focus on the rest of this season together and let those bubbles fly."

West Ham received a £36 million offer for Arnautovic from a Chinese Super League club "understood to be Shanghai SIPG," according to Jason Burt at the Daily Telegraph.

The Austrian was keen to leave, but West Ham did not want to sell without buying a replacement first, and the offer was subsequently withdrawn, per the report.

Football writer Graeme Bailey offered some more detail:

Marko Arnautovic is staying out - he had little choice though, as West Ham refused deals on offer from China...he has missed out on a 400% pay-rise https://t.co/R4HMcBWUAZ

— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) January 25, 2019

Arnautovic's brother Danijel, who serves as his agent, had explained why the forward wanted to move to China:

Marko Arnautovic’s brother (and agent) tells West Ham to let him leave for China: "West Ham bought Marko for peanuts. He wants to go to a new market and challenge for titles. This is what he wants. It is his great desire that West Ham accept the offer from China.”

— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) January 10, 2019

West Ham were quick to offer their response:

In response to the statement from the brother and agent of Marko Arnautovic this afternoon, the Club has issued the following: pic.twitter.com/6A2p3glFhg

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 10, 2019

Arnautovic appeared to wave goodbye to West Ham supporters when he was substituted during the Hammers' 1-0 win over Arsenal on Jan. 12:

The long wave goodbye? 👋👋👋

Has Marko Arnautovic played his last game for West Ham? ⚒#WHUARS pic.twitter.com/Bic6rUPH4c

— GOAL (@goal) January 12, 2019

The 29-year-old has not featured for West Ham since then and has been left out of the squad for their FA Cup fourth-round clash against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, per Sam Inkersole at Football.London.

Arnautovic's comments suggest he's now ready to return to the squad, and Manuel Pellegrini will surely welcome having his top scorer available for selection for the rest of the season.

West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini says the club will sell star forward Marko Arnautovic this month if they receive "a good deal," but the manager reiterated the Hammers don't want to lose their frontman.

Arnautovic was subject to a £35 million bid from an unnamed Chinese club, per Agence France-Presse, and Pellegrini has said that his player can leave if the right offer is received, despite West Ham's intention to keep their man:

"They are not forcing me to sell Marko Arnautovic, but I think as a manager the best thing is to take the solution that is best for the player and the club, both together.

"If they agree, we don't have any problem to change. I am not telling the club about it. If it's a good deal for both parties, we will arrange to be without Marko. But the club doesn't want to sell him."

It's understood the club in question is Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG, who are said to have tabled a four-year contract worth £200,000 per week. Sam Inkersole of Football.London wrote in November that Arnautovic currently earns £100,000 per week (including bonuses).

Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports provided more context on Shanghai SIPG's interest:

Shanghai SIPG want to sign Dimitri Payet from Marseille. They've already had £35m bid rejected by West Ham for Marko Arnautovic. Now also looking into signing Payet. West Ham sold Payet to Marseille for £25m two years ago

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) January 17, 2019

The case of Dimitri Payet and his unceremonious 2017 exit from West Ham is similar to Arnautovic's situation, although football writer Daniel Storey argued the Premier League club need to act differently this time:

This is not another Dimitri Payet. West Ham should have no fear; they are different now. If Marko Arnautovic wants to leave, let him go.

My piece.https://t.co/rQvVGIIyGg

— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) January 17, 2019

Less than a fortnight of the January transfer window remains, and West Ham need to have a contingency plan in place for if Arnautovic does leave.

Pellegrini's other striking options have failed to inspire this season. Javier Hernandez (four), Lucas Perez (two) and Andy Carroll have produced six goals between them this season, while January 2018 signing Jordan Hugill was loaned to Middlesbrough in the Championship.

Writer Justin Oliver Salhani looked differently upon the interest from China, however, and sympathised with Arnautovic, who has likely been offered the most lucrative contract offer of his career:

I always think it’s a bit closed minded when pundits think every footballer wants to play at as high a level as possible for as long as possible. Been there, done that, let me go be a legend in China for more money now

— Justin Salhani (@JustinSalhani) January 18, 2019

It's often the case that players use underhanded tactics—such as not turning up for training—to get the transfer they wish, but Pellegrini has also said he doesn't expect such ploys from Arnautovic, per ITV:

Pellegrini confident Arnautovic won't refuse to play for @WestHamUtd https://t.co/PJ2jAsme17#WHUFC pic.twitter.com/FAkKgGe0WI

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 17, 2019

Felipe Anderson (eight) is the only West Ham player with more Premier League goals than Arnautovic (seven) this season, but the latter has acted as a crucial focal point in Pellegrini's attack. 

The Austria international has a contract at London Stadium until June 2022, and it's true the £35 million that's allegedly been offered for his signature isn't guaranteed to get an adequate replacement in today's market.  

West Ham United have issued a statement confirming Marko Arnautovic will not be sold this month after the player's agent and brother asked the club to sell him. 

Per Ed Aarons and Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian, an unnamed Chinese Super League club have bid £35 million for the forward, although the Hammers have turned the offer down.

As noted in the report, in a subsequent statement, Arnautovic's brother Danijel made it clear the Austrian would like to move on:

"West Ham bought Marko for peanuts. They paid £20m for him, which is nothing in the current market. They bought him to keep them in the Premier League last season and he did that. He took every award at the club; best player, signing of the season and the players' award.

"Now West Ham have a fantastic offer. It is close to double what they paid for him. He wants to go to a new market and challenge for titles. This is what he wants. It is his great desire that West Ham accept the offer from China."

Following the statement, West Ham issued their own statement on their Twitter account, saying the player will not be going anywhere:

In response to the statement from the brother and agent of Marko Arnautovic this afternoon, the Club has issued the following: pic.twitter.com/6A2p3glFhg

— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 10, 2019

According to Aarons and Steinberg, a move to China would see Arnautovic earn a staggering £40 million over the course of a four-year deal. Shanghai SIPG are said to be the club interested in bringing the player to the Chinese Super League.

Steinberg said on Twitter the size of the deal is what Arnautovic finds attractive about the move:

Seems this is all about money. He’s already on a lot but Arnautovic could use the China offer to try to get more out of West Ham. 30 soon, last big deal... #whufc

— Jacob Steinberg 🎗️ (@JacobSteinberg) January 10, 2019

Arnautovic is currently under contract until 2022 with West Ham and has been the team's star performer since arriving in the summer of 2017. 

It's not the first time he's been linked with a move away. In November, Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph said Manchester United were interested in the 29-year-old. Prior to those reports, Danijel had said the former Stoke City and Inter Milan man was "ready for the next step."

For West Ham the situation is far from ideal, especially when Arnautovic has been key to a recent run of fine form. Overall, since arriving at the club the Austrian has had a massive influence on the way the team attacks:

Marko Arnautović for West Ham in the Premier League since the start of last season:

• Most goals (18)
• Most assists (8)
• Most chances created (57)

Easy to see why they want to keep him. 🙅‍♂️ https://t.co/ax7nXszQEK

— Squawka (@Squawka) January 10, 2019

Throughout his career the forward has also had a reputation for being hard work off the pitch, as football journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor noted here:

An unsettled Marko Arnautovic really doesn't sound like something you'd want at your football club.

— Seb Stafford-Bloor (@SebSB) January 10, 2019

Given the player wants to move and the fact he will turn 30 before the end of the campaign, there would be some sense behind selling for the kind of money mentioned, especially given West Ham would not be losing their talisman to a Premier League rival.

It does appear as if the Hammers are going to dig their heels in when it comes to their No. 7 though. You sense all eyes will be on the London club in the coming weeks to see how this transfer saga plays out.