West Ham midfielder Declan Rice won't sign an extension on his current deal with the Hammers, according to a fresh claim by journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Rice's contract ticking away

The 23-year-old has matured from exciting academy graudate into arguably the first name on the Hammers' team sheet these days, as well as becoming a dominant figure for England.

Rice's current West Ham contract expires in the summer of 2024 however, and there is sure to be a lot of interest in him at the end of this season.

At that point, it could the last opportunity for the east London side to earn huge money for his services, unless he decides to extend his stay at the club.

The Latest: Journalist makes contract claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Brown claimed that Rice won't sign a new deal with West Ham:

"I don't think there is anyone pushing that hard at the moment to sign Declan Rice, but I think he's trying to keep his options open and won't be signing any contracts that tie him to the club and knock down a move in the near future."

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The Verdict: Big blow, but unsurprising

This is clearly a negative update from a Hammers perspective, with Rice someone who will hopefully stay put for the rest of his career, having been hailed as 'superb' by another midfield great in the shape of Steven Gerrard.

In truth, there does seem to be a predictability about the midfielder's exit in the near future, however, as he looks to kick on to the next stage of his career.

Rice belongs at a club playing Champions League football and challenging for major honours, and sadly, that is something that West Ham cannot provide currently. A summer exit in 2023 makes sense, with the Hammers hopefully banking a massive profit and reinvesting wisely.