West Ham United manager David Moyes was keen to insist that the Hammers will 'fight' to hang on to Declan Rice amid interest from Manchester United and other clubs.
The England midfielder has been linked with a move to United and Chelsea in recent months, with the 23-year-old previously being valued at £150million by Moyes.
Rice, who was a regular for the Three Lions at the World Cup in Qatar, has recently expressed his desire to play in the Champions League. He has made 21 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions so far this season, registering one goal and two assists.
ALSO READ: Pellistri could finally be unleashed after behind closed doors performance
However, Moyes - speaking to reporters prior to West Ham's Boxing Day loss at Arsenal - insisted that he would not be letting his captain go easily.
"He wants to win and he wants to play for a really good side, which is going to give him that opportunity to do so," said Moyes. "We hope that we can reach the Champions League.
"It is looking difficult at this moment in time but we are not just going to roll over and let Dec walk out of the building, that is for sure. It is going to be a big fight.
"I like it because he wants to challenge himself and wants to play in the big games and wants to be a top player. I don't think you are ever going to hold anyone back from having those ambitions."
The Hammers finished seventh in the Premier League last season, while also reaching the Europa League semi-finals. However, the London club has struggled this season and currently sit just one point above the relegation zone after 16 games.
United are admirers of Rice but the need to sign a player of his profile was made less pressing by the summer arrival of Casemiro from Real Madrid.
READ NEXT:
