West Ham expect to lose Declan Rice to a Champions League side next year, regardless of where they place this season.

The Lowdown: Constant improvement

Having earned the role as the Irons' skipper at the tender age of 23, Rice is clearly valued in more ways than one. His emergence into stardom has been sensational, and he has continually improved specific parts of his game.

For instance, last season, he struggled to create chances from midfield and was arguably too conservative in his approach play.

He ended the season with just 24 chances created, and has almost matched that with just 15 games played, ranking as the Hammers' second-most creative attacking threat this season with 19 chances created, leading the charge for most assists with two.

The latest: Expected to leave

According to a report from Football Insider, sources expect West Ham's £62k-per-week talisman to depart the London Stadium, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2024.

Whilst the Hammers have the option of another 12-month extension according to the report, as the piece states, the next couple of windows represent the last realistic chance of securing a favourable fee for the England World Cup star.

The Verdict: True sentiment

Whilst West Ham will be doing everything they can to keep hold of Rice, ultimately he is destined to depart the side in search of Champions League football, having stated his goals in an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap.

He may not achieve that at the London Stadium, which is why he will inevitably seek pastures new. Ultimately, West Ham will want to keep him as long as possible, but the report reflects true sentiment in the fact that his price tag will dwindle down with each window that passes by.

Next year could well be the year.