Former Premier League defender Danny Mills believes that Declan Rice will leave West Ham United soon in a double-your-money deal.

The Lowdown: Heavy interest

After becoming a key player for West Ham and one of the first names on Gareth Southgate's England teamsheet, Rice has attracted plenty of interest from around the English top flight.

Chelsea (The Sun) and Manchester United (The Manchester Evening News) were both strongly linked with his services, but he has so far remained with the Irons.

The Latest: Mills suggests Rice will depart

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills has suggested that Rice will depart West Ham soon for a big offer. When asked for his verdict on the 22-year-old's situation in east London, the former Leeds defender said:

"These players have stayed loyal for so long.

"But, at some point, when you’re talking about doubling their wages, possibly even more, challenging for league titles, challenging for trophies, playing in the Champions League it’s huge, absolutely huge.

"Why wouldn’t you start looking at those sorts of things? You only have a certain life span as a footballer.

"You get to the point where you think ‘It’s now or never’ and if you don’t take that opportunity it may never come around again."

The Verdict: Only a matter of time

Rice has become a hugely important player for the Hammers. Across the last three seasons, he has missed just 10 Premier League games, and he appeared 32 times last term as the Irons qualified for the Europa League thanks to a sixth-placed finish (Transfermarkt).

However, given that the 22-year-old reportedly turned down a new contract to stay at the London Stadium (The Guardian), the club will be aware that he is likely to leave at some point. They are said to be open to offers of £90m, and if they were to get such a price for the midfielder, it is the kind of money they would be able to reinvest throughout the squad.

Instead of keeping him at the club against his will if Rice does indeed wish to leave, it is time that the Hammers made the right decision and let him go if he wants to move on.

In other news, West Ham want to sign this striker.