Declan Rice is looking to leave West Ham United "sooner rather than later", according to journalist Paul Brown.
What's the latest news involving Rice?
It comes as no surprise that West Ham are hoping to hold onto Rice, but the defensive midfielder has turned down two contract offers in recent months.
The 22-year-old will reportedly only sign a fresh deal if a release clause is included after feeling as though he was priced out of a summer move due to West Ham's price tag of £100million.
While the Hammers have been frustrated in their efforts to get Rice to commit his long-term future to the club, they have the upper-hand in transfer negotiations as his current contract runs until the summer of 2024 and includes the option of being extended by another 12 months.
Reports suggest Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made Rice his number one midfield target despite the transfer window closing at the end of last month.
United are facing competition for Rice's signature from cross-city rivals Manchester City, with the reigning Premier League champions' chief Pep Guardiola seeing the England international as a potential long-term replacement for defensive midfielder Fernandinho, whose contract expires next summer.
Rice's former club Chelsea, who released him at the age of just 14, were also heavily linked with making a move throughout the recently-closed window.
What has Paul Brown said about Rice?
Brown believes Rice would be better off remaining at the London Stadium as he continues to develop during the early stages of his career.
However, the journalist claims Rice is looking to leave West Ham relatively soon.
It comes after he started all seven of England's Euro 2020 clashes during the summer.
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Brown told GMS: "Whether he can go right to the top at West Ham, we don't know yet. But I think, personally, he's in the right place.
"He's clearly very ambitious. Having played for England, done very well in the summer and seen other people get moves to big clubs and mixed with people playing at big clubs who are in the Champions League every week and winning trophies, he has clearly thought to himself 'I need this sooner rather than later'.
"Declan, through his agents, has made his position clear."
How has Rice performed this season?
Despite rejecting contract offers, Rice appears to be fully committed to West Ham and has played every minute of their Premier League campaign so far.
He also marked his 150th senior appearance for the Hammers by finding the back of the net during the Hammers' Europa League group stage win over Dinamo Zagreb last week.
That was his second goal of the season, having also got his name on the scoresheet as England overcame Hungary in a World Cup qualifying fixture earlier this month.