West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is now 'pretty set' on leaving the club, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Rice's West Ham future

The 23-year-old has long been linked with a move away from the Irons, but Chelsea are now said to have the edge in the race for his signature, given his previous affiliation with the club.

The same report from The Athletic also claims that Manchester City and Manchester United have both registered their interest, so there will be no shortage of Premier League options for the Englishman should he choose not to extend his stay at the London Stadium.

The Latest: Rice 'pretty set' on leaving West Ham

It appears as though the 23-year-old not committing his future to West Ham is now the likely scenario, judging by Jones' most recent comments to GIVEMESPORT.

When asked whether some Premier League clubs now being interested in Sofyan Amrabat could help the Irons hold onto Rice, the journalist replied:"I don’t think so, no. Rice is pretty set, from what I hear from other people, on leaving West Ham no matter what happens. I don’t see much that could happen at other clubs or at West Ham that could change his mind.”

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The Verdict: Blow for West Ham

It is no secret just how vital the midfielder is for David Moyes' side, having averaged a 7.19 SofaScore rating in the Premier League last season, the highest of any player in the West Ham squad.

Despite the Hammers' poor start to the campaign, Rice has gotten better, as indicated by a 7.27 SofaScore rating this term, with his all-round game a cut above the other players at the London Stadium.

An average pass completion rate of 90.2% over the past year places him in the 95th percentile compared to his positional peers in Europe's top five leagues, while he has also weighed in with 1.84 interceptions per 90, which sees him rank in the 93rd percentile.

Losing a player of this significance would be a huge blow for West Ham, but given that he is contracted until 2024 - with the option for an extra year - the saving grace is that they will be able to hold out for an astronomical transfer fee.