Declan Rice has revealed how close he was to leaving West Ham United on loan last summer before Manuel Pellegrini stepped in and assured him of his plans.

Speaking exclusively to FourFourTwo magazine, Rice has explained how he’d thought it’d be best to go out on loan 12 months ago, but Pellegrini’s comical reaction to the suggestion told him all he needed to know:

West Brom, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa wanted me and I was pushing for Villa. I remember speaking to the manager (Pellegrini), saying I should go on loan. He laughed and said, ‘You’re not going on loan, you’re going to stay and you’re going to play’.

Rice rose to prominence in the 2017-18 season, featuring 31 times for West Ham in all competitions, and went on the miss just four Premier League games last term.

Plenty of Hammers supporters have taken to social media to hail their manager in the form of GIFs following the surprising revelation…

read west ham’s verdict

Rice is without a doubt one of Pellegrini’s most prized assets at West Ham and his stock will only continue to rise as he impresses for club and now country.

The Hammers may have a task on their hands to keep hold on the 20-year-old in the future, with some of the country’s heavyweights already eyeing a move.

However, Rice seems the loyal type and supporters should look forward to him protecting the backline for years to come.

Is Declan Rice West Ham's most valuable asset?

Yes

No