West Ham confident Declan Rice will stay despite rejecting new contract

West Ham are confident that teenage defender Declan Rice will stay at the club, despite his rejection of a new contract offer.

The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland international’s current deal, which expires in 2020, is worth £3,000 a week. The new offer would see that figure rise to £8,000.

Rice, who became a first-team regular last season because of injuries, has turned down West Ham’s initial offer, which will alert potential suitors.

Negotiations are at an early stage, though, and West Ham look set to return with an improved offer.

Scotland midfield player Robert Snodgrass will return to West Ham when they start pre-season training next month, following the end of his loan spell at Aston Villa.