West Ham United could sell Declan Rice if a big-money bid is lodged next summer, according to journalist Paul Brown.
What's the latest news involving Rice?
Manchester United are showing strong interest in Rice despite the summer transfer window closing at the end of last month, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer identifying the England international as his number one midfield target.
However, United are not the only Manchester club Rice is on the radar of as Premier League champions Manchester City see Rice as a potential long-term replacement for defensive midfielder Fernandinho, whose Etihad Stadium contract expires next summer.
Rice's former club Chelsea, who released him at the age of just 14, were heavily linked with making a move before the transfer window slammed shut but opted against submitting a bid.
The 22-year-old reportedly feels he was priced out of a summer move due to West Ham's £100million price tag.
Rice, who is contracted to the east Londoners until 2024 but has the option of extending his stay by another year, has rejected two offers of a new deal in recent months.
Reports suggest, amid continued interest, the defensive midfielder will only pen a fresh contract if a release clause is included.
What has Paul Brown said about Rice?
Brown believes West Ham may be open to selling Rice if an offer close to their £100million valuation is tabled next summer.
However, he feels the Hammers could only do business if Rice agitates for a switch.
Brown told GMS: "I think, if we get to next summer and a team comes in with a really big bid for him, West Ham might be forced to think twice.
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"But that will depend on whether Declan Rice really pushes for it. I don't really see that happening at the moment.
"He's made his position clear but he hasn't said 'get me a move, that's it, I don't want to play for you anymore'. There's a big difference between the two."
Has Rice allowed his head to turn amid interest?
Rice's performances suggest he is fully committed to West Ham and he went into today's clash with Manchester United having played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far.
He also marked his 150th senior appearance for the Hammers by getting his name on the scoresheet during the 2-0 Europa League group stage win over Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday.
Despite being a defensive-minded midfielder, that was Rice's second goal of the campaign as he found the back of the net in England's 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory against Hungary earlier this month.