West Ham United could increase their 'deliberately high' price tag for Declan Rice if he returns to the London Stadium after performing well at the World Cup, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Hammers are keen to hold onto the central midfielder, who was named club captain following Mark Noble's retirement at the climax of last season.

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What's the latest news involving Rice?

According to Football Insider, Rice has no intention of penning a new West Ham deal this season regardless of any proposals which are lodged by his current employers.

The report suggests the 34-cap England international, who is almost certain to head to the World Cup next month, has set his sights on joining a Champions League club and has snubbed multiple contract offers worth up to £200,000-per-week.

It is understood that Rice was open to leaving West Ham during the summer transfer window, although a move away failed to come to fruition ahead of the September 1 deadline.

The 23-year-old has entered the final two years of his £62,000-per-week contract, although the Hammers hold the option of extending the agreement by a further 12 months.

Rice has made more than 200 appearances for David Moyes' side and got his name on the scoresheet during the 1-1 draw with Southampton last weekend.

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What has Paul Brown said about Rice?

Brown believes there is a distinct possibility that West Ham's asking price for Rice will increase if he plays a key role in England enjoying a successful World Cup.

However, the journalist is aware that the east Londoners' current demands have already put off suitors in the past.

When asked whether West Ham's valuation of Rice could increase after their skipper's exploits in Qatar, Brown told GIVEMESPORT: "Absolutely, yes. But I think his price tag is already deliberately high.

"It's prohibitively high because West Ham don't want to lose him and, so far, none of the clubs who like Declan Rice have been willing to go near that figure."

Could Rice leave West Ham in January?

It is unlikely as West Ham slapped a £150million price tag on Rice amid interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United earlier this year and, if the club's financial expectations increased in the coming months, that would limit the number of sides who could head to the negotiating table.

If the former Chelsea youngster were to head through the London Stadium exit door, he would become the most expensive signing in British history, surpassing the £100million Manchester City forked out for Jack Grealish.

Rice has played every minute of West Ham's Premier League campaign and, with the capital club chasing a third consecutive year of qualifying for European football, it is unlikely Moyes would sanction a mid-season departure.

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