Moyes wants to make Declan Rice new West Ham captain

David Moyes is ready to hand the captain armband over to Declan Rice to make him stay at West Ham amid Chelsea links.

Rice has emerged as one of Frank Lampard’s prime objectives to reinforce Chelsea’s midfield department. The Blues, among many other sides, have recognized the 21-year-old’s immense potential.

There’s no doubt the English deep-lying playmaker is a star in the making. Rice’s tactical intelligence, leadership skills, and composure with the ball at his feet are off the scale for a player of his age.

With over 100 senior appearances under his belt, the up-and-coming midfielder is widely regarded as the next big thing in the Premier League.

No wonders West Ham are ready to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of their rising star. And the Hammers boss David Moyes has now added to this sentiment.

“It was always the plan [to keep him], there was no intention to lose Declan Rice,” Moyes said, as transmitted by Goal.

“We have had no bids and no enquiries. There is a lot of speculation, but I can only tell you what I know.

“I wouldn’t want to lose him anyway because he is too big a player for us, he is too important and a big part of the squad.

“He’s been captain already, I think he is learning a lot of leadership from Mark Noble, so I hope, in the future, we will have an incredibly talented footballer with great leadership skills and will be the captain of West Ham.”

Rice made his initial football steps in the youth academy at Chelsea. But after failing to make the grade in west London, he moved across the town aged 14.