David Moyes insists that Declan Rice’s contract situation is not a priority for the Hammers right now.

The Irons were beaten in sickening circumstances by Chelsea on Sunday, losing to a Christian Pulisic goal in the 89th minute after Craig Dawson had been sent off.

Rice came on as a second-half substitute, having been handed a much-needed rest ahead of this week’s huge Europa League semi-final clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Reports have claimed that Rice has rejected a new deal and we have reported that the England international has come to an agreement with the Hammers over his future, as he is set to stay for another season before potentially leaving for a huge fee next summer.

And Moyes insists that the length of Rice’s deal means that there is simply no panic over his future at the London Stadium.

Speaking after the defeat to the Blues, the Hammers boss said, as per The Independent: “We certainly didn’t say that. Unless you’ve got who said it then I can’t say it. We’ve not answered it really have we.

“I’ve said it and I think we have said what we think. We like Dec and he’s got three and a half years to go on his contract so I don’t think there is any big panic.

“We’ve got three and a half years so it isn’t the biggest priority. We’ve got other priorities, trying to add to the squad and get other positions in.

“Maybe he just wants more money. People do turn down contracts. It is not unusual for players at clubs to turn down contracts, maybe it is a negotiation tactic.”