West Ham United star Declan Rice is set to 'have a big conversation' over his London Stadium future with the Hammers' hierarchy after the season reaches its climax, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The central midfielder has been on the east Londoners' books since being released by Chelsea at the age of 14, but there are doubts as to whether he will still be in claret and blue next term.

What's the latest news involving Rice?

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed last week that Rice has turned down a contract offer from West Ham for a third time and is open to moving onto pastures new in the summer.

It comes after Rice also rejected a brace of proposals put forward by his current employers last summer.

However, sealing a summer departure from the London Stadium is not a foregone conclusion as the 23-year-old still has more than two years remaining on his £62,000-per-week deal and West Ham also hold an option of extending the agreement by 12 months.

Amid interest from Chelsea, Hammers boss David Moyes has insisted Rice will not be sold for less than £150million.

It does not appear as though that has deterred suitors as Rice is understood to be high on incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag's shortlist of targets, while arch-rivals Manchester City have also joined the race for his signature.

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What has Dean Jones said about Rice?

Jones believes West Ham favourite Rice will look to hold showdown talks with the Hammers' key decision-makers during the summer.

The transfer insider also feels the east Londoners will be bracing themselves for bids when the window reopens.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Declan Rice is going to have to have a big conversation with West Ham at the end of the season, no matter what happens.

"There's no doubt that there's going to be two or three clubs asking the question of how much would you actually sell this guy for?"

Would Rice's departure come as a huge blow?

Rice has made 189 appearances for West Ham and also regularly wears the captain's armband as Mark Noble approaches the end of his career.

The central midfielder's impressive form has resulted in him also winning 29 international caps for England.

However, Rice has made it clear that he has an 'urgent' desire to play in the Champions League - which has not been possible so far in his career - and believes he is 'one of the established top players around the world', so it is obvious that his exit would come as a major blow to West Ham.