West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice cannot ‘settle for just playing for a club out of loyalty’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium in recent months after establishing himself as one of the most dominant engine room operators in the Premier League.

What is the latest news involving Rice?

According to The Telegraph, West Ham ‘face a battle’ to keep hold of Rice in the upcoming summer transfer window after his potential suitors were encouraged by the capital club’s inactivity throughout January.

It’s believed that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are all eager to snap up the England international, although it may now be a two-horse race following the recent sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich.

The report also states that Rice - who is valued at £67.5m by Transfermarkt - has already turned down two contract offers from the Hammers after making his ambition to win trophies and play in the Champions League clear.

And the 6 foot 1 beast revealed his belief that he’s one of the ‘top players’ in world football at this moment in time when speaking after being named Premier League Player of the Year at the London Football Awards.

“I feel like I am one of the established top players around the world. I am only 23, so I am still young,” said Rice, before describing his desire to claim silverware and feature in Europe’s elite cup competition as “urgent”.

What has Jones said about Rice?

Although West Ham have made great strides under the tutelage of David Moyes over the last 18 months or so, the chances of them claiming major trophies and playing Champions League football regularly remain slim.

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Therefore, Jones reckons Rice cannot remain at the London Stadium for purely sentimental reasons, especially if he truly ranks himself amongst the sport’s elite performers.

He told GiveMeSport: “He believes that he’s one of the best midfielders in the world at this point, and not many of the best midfielders in the world would settle for just playing for a club out of loyalty. And Declan Rice can't do that either.”

Should Rice depart West Ham?

West Ham were knocked out of the FA Cup by Southampton recently but remain in the hunt for a top-four finish and are still in the Europa League after losing the first leg of their last-16 tie against Sevilla 1-0.

Nevertheless, the east London outfit are unlikely to match the ambition or financial might of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ clubs, meaning Rice may have to leave in order to fulfil his goals.

Yet the powerful midfielder must choose his next steps wisely and realise the grass isn’t always greener. West Ham are currently a team on the up, and he should perhaps be in no rush to jump ship just yet.