Declan Rice is facing a battle to leave West Ham United despite interest from both Manchester clubs and Chelsea, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest news involving Rice?

The England international is firmly on Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's radar and is reportedly the Norwegian's primary midfield target ahead of the transfer window reopening in January.

It comes after United were busy ahead of last month's deadline, with Cristiano Ronaldo sealing a sensational return to Old Trafford and Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho completing big-money switches from Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund respectively.

United face competition from their cross-city rivals as Manchester City are eager to acquire Rice as a long-term replacement for fellow defensive midfielder Fernandinho, who has less than 12 months remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Chelsea, who released Rice when he was a 14-year-old coming through the Stamford Bridge ranks, were heavily linked with making a move 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 and will reportedly only sign a fresh contract if a release clause is included.

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The 22-year-old's demands come after being priced out of a summer move due to West Ham's £100million asking price.

What has Paul Brown said about Rice?

Journalist Brown believes Rice will continue to be priced out of a switch away from London Stadium.

He insists he is valued at a higher price by West Ham than his suitors.

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Brown told GMS: "The trouble is Declan Rice is one of those players who is worth much, much more to his club than he is to anyone trying to buy him.

"West Ham have no incentive to try and let him go for the sort of fees that someone like United, Chelsea or City would have tried to have a nibble at him for in the summer.

"There was no point because he's worth so much more."

How has Rice performed this season?

Rice has not missed a minute of West Ham's Premier League campaign and, despite playing a key role in screening the Hammers' defence, showed he is a threat going forward by notching an assist in the 4-1 win over Leicester City last month.

He also took his tally of England caps to 26 during the recent international break and scored for the Three Lions in the World Cup qualifying victory against Hungary.