Rice contract stand-off

West Ham are still involved in a game of cat and mouse over the new deal which is being sought by Declan Rice’s advisers.

The  player still has a year left on his deal and negotiations are at a standstill whilst the defender considers his international future.

His representatives are seeking a £30k a week deal but the Hammers remain locked into an offer of £18k a week plus appearance clauses which could take him to the £30k wanted.

There have been no further talks in recent weeks but there is no panic with the club determined to hold onto the 19 year old.

He comes to the end of his deal next June but the club have an option in their favour for him to remain at the club for a further 12 months.

Currently the stand-off is typical of such situations and until his international future is finally settled the wage talks are very much on the back burner.