Pablo Zabaleta has urged the Hammers to “think about Declan Rice’s situation” in contract talks as the youngster becomes the talk of the club.
Rice currently engaged a new agent who is widely believed to gave asked for a £30k a week basic plus around £10k for each appearance.
Zaba however is keen for a deal to be sorted out and is reported in the national press as saying of Rice: He said: “He has the right ability and attitude to become of one of the greatest players for West Ham Football Club.
“West Ham need to think about his situation because even though he is young he looks so mature and he is proving week in, week out he can perform for the team.
As a team-mate, for me he is one of those young players that you like to look after and help with all the information you can give him.
“You try to help out as much as you can, but then, of course, there are people who make decisions in this club about contracts and all those things and there is nothing I can do about it.
“He has more to learn but all the players need to look after him and keep his feet on the ground because even at the age of 19 or 20 and you play two or three good games in this league, you attract attention from everyone.
“There was all the stuff about the Ireland and England football teams and you have to know how to manage those situations. But it is important for his family and the players around him to look after him.”
“He is playing in a club that has got four points so far this season so you cannot think about playing in the Champions League and other competitions. Step by step — let’s not put more pressure on him and see how far he can go as a player.”
Zabaleta said: “The TV money is huge and the owners of every single club in this league know they need to invest to keep their team in the Premier League.
“The young players coming through from the academy now need to be that good to play in the Premier League.
“I know it is difficult for them because so much money is spent in the transfer windows and the fees are ridiculous, but if I was a young player now I would be thinking I need to be patient.
“Then, when the chance comes to train with the first team and play with them, you have to show you are good enough to earn a place in the squad as Declan has done.
“I know West Ham have always been one of those clubs who produce young, talented players so hopefully we can see a few more of them coming through.”
