Hammers want new Rice talks

West Ham are still pressing hard to sort out an acceptable deal for Declan Rice but his position within the squad will have an influence on the final package.

We understand that his representatives are still pushing for a £30k a week contact but the club want to offer around £18k plus appearance clauses.

They are ready to go back to the negotiating table once it becomes clear where the youngster stands in the manager’s plans but believe to put him on £30k a week basic would run the possibility of spoiling him.

Dec has been told personally that the club are keen to give him a rise and are ready to talk to his representatives again whenever they are ready.

There have been no enquiries or offers for the youngster who, with options, still has a couple of years to run on his current deal.

The Hammers want the situation sorted out so Declan can keep his mind focused on a critical season ahead and are ready to talk terms.