Mark Noble has remained defiant that West Ham won't be pushed around by the Premier League's big boys as Chelsea keep up their interest in the 23-year-old. Rice was one of England's 26-man cohort in Qatar and impressed on the biggest stage as the defensive shield for Gareth Southgate but has long been on the radar of clubs competing in the Champions League.
Chelsea have been monitoring Rice's situation for a number of years since Frank Lampard expressed his desire to sign the former Cobham academy player but the previous regime were steadfast against re-signing a player for more than £80m. With the Hammers now slowly being ran into a corner regarding his contract, a move away from the London Stadium has never looked more likely.
Rice's contract expires in June 2024, but in just over one year he can negotiate a pre-contract to leave for free. Given Rice is West Ham's captain and most valuable asset, this isn't a situation that would benefit David Moyes' side.
