Declan Rice insists he has got "so much more" to give, hinting that he has not yet fulfilled his full potential as links with Manchester United continue to be reported.
The West Ham midfielder was speaking after finishing third in this season’s Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award behind winner Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne. United are searching for midfielders this summer amid the impending exits of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic.
Rice has been constantly touted with a move to Old Trafford despite Hammers boss David Moyes being adamant that he is going nowhere. The England favourite has on several occasions stated his desire to be winning the game’s biggest accolades, including the Champions League.
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He also believes he has a way to go before he reaches top form. “I feel like I’ve taken another step in the right direction in my career but I’m still only 23 and trust me, I know myself, I’ve got so much more that I can let out of the bag,” he told Football Daily (via the Mirror ).
“I know that, my coaches tell me that. I think it just comes with time and as I get older, it will keep coming and coming but I feel like you’re only starting to see the start of me. I feel like I’m going to keep pushing and getting better.”
Chelsea have also expressed an interest in Rice while City may be tempted by a move with Fernandinho due to leave the Etihad at the end of the season. Many have argued a move to United would be a step backwards.
Rice is currently vying for a place in the Europa League final with West Ham, though his team will have to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit. Meanwhile, United are fighting to stay in a European spot following two defeats and a draw in their last three games.
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