Date: 2nd July 2021 at 3:44pm
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Since Gareth Southgate took over as manager of the England national side, the former Middlesbrough boss has utilised a number of different players. 

This season, no England player has pulled on the shirt of the Three Lions more times than West Ham’s Declan Rice.

The Hammer’s midfielder has been instrumental in all three of England’s victories at Euro 2020, despite being hauled off at half-time of the drab 0-0 draw with Scotland on match day two at Wembley.

Having switched allegiances from the Republic of Ireland as a teenager, Rice is now a crucial part of Southgate’s England setup, and may well be relied upon if the Three Lions are going to win their first ever European Championship.

Away from England duty, however, it appears that Rice has got his eyes on a move away from East London.

According to the Guardian, the midfielder has rejected two contract offers from current club West Ham, and has asked to be notified if Chelsea, Manchester United or Manchester City come calling.

The report suggests that the 22-year-old, who was released by Chelsea at the age of 14, is intent on returning to Stamford Bridge to play alongside friend Mason Mount.

Rice has started all four of England’s games at Euro 2020

Members of Rice’s family are still believed to have season tickets at the club, and there has also reportedly been interest in the player from the reigning European champions.

It is also suggested that current Blues boss Thomas Tuchel regards Rice as a prime target, with the loan departure of Bully Gilmour meaning that the club have just three senior central midfielders in the squad, namely Jorginho, N’golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.

Despite having three years left on his current Hammers deal, the club are reportedly desperate to tie him down to a longer term deal to deter interest from the Premier League’s Champions League contingent.

It is believed that Rice is targeting Champions League football, despite West Ham’s qualification for next season’s Europa League.

 
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