Declan Rice signs a contract extension with West Ham

West Ham defender Declan Rice has signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League club.

The 19-year-old, who has made 51 appearances for the east London side since his debut last year, signed a deal that keeps him with the team until the end of the 2023-24 season.

'Without a doubt, the plan was always to stay at West Ham. I've had the support from the fans, from the players and from the manager and now, to get it done and commit myself to this club is a very special moment and I'm over the moon”, said Rice.

'I've now played 50 games for the first team and I'm progressing week-in, week-out, learning from a top manager and top players.

His previous contract was due to expire at the end of next season, meaning that the team could have lost one of its youngest talents.

England or Ireland?

The defender is eligible to play for both England and the Republic of Ireland. The London-born Rice has been capped by the Boys in Green, but not in a competitive fixture, leaving the door open for him to change allegiance.

Last month, he declared that the decision over his international future will be “one of the hardest” of his career.