West Ham transfer news: Fresh update on Declan Rice's future emerges | OneFootball

Declan Rice will not leave West Ham United during the January transfer window, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The England international has been earmarked as Manchester United's primary midfield target ahead of the transfer market reopening for business at the turn of the year.

It comes after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spent big to sign Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho from Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund respectively, while Cristiano Ronaldo also sealed his return to Old Trafford.

looking to sign Rice as a replacement for 36-year-old defensive midfielder Fernandinho.

Chelsea, who released Rice when he was still a teenager, were heavily linked with making a move for the 22-year-old during the summer transfer window.

Rice, who is contracted to West Ham until 2024 but has the option of extending it by a further year, has rejected two offers of a new deal in recent months.

It has been reported that, amid continued interest from both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Liverpool, Rice will only sign a fresh contract if a release clause is included.

Rice's demands come after growing frustrated at West Ham's prohibitive £100million asking price during the summer.

What has Paul Brown said about Rice?

Brown believes Rice's suitors will wait until the end of the season before looking to acquire the England international.

He maintains West Ham will not entertain selling their prized asset when the transfer window reopens in January.

Brown told GMS: "I think you can forget about Declan Rice going anywhere in January because it makes no sense for anyone.

"There's no big club that would pay the sort of money West Ham want for Declan Rice in January and I don't think there's any way West Ham would risk letting a player like that go in the middle of the season.

"I think he will stay at West Ham for the rest of the season and then we'll see what happens next summer."

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How has Rice performed this season?

Rice has played every minute of West Ham's Premier League campaign so far and showed his attacking capabilities by registering an assist in the 4-1 win over Leicester City last month.

He also took his tally of England caps up to 26 during the recent international break and found the back of the net for the Three Lions in the 4-0 World Cup qualifying win against Hungary.