I’m good enough to play for Manchester United, says West Ham ace

Declan Rice says he has the talent to play for the Premier League’s top-six sides but insists he is not thinking about leaving West Ham at the moment.

The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to United throughout his short career and was earmarked as a potential transfer target for the Red Devils at the end of last season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side ultimately opted against mounting a serious move for Rice but the midfielder has suggested his future is at one of the biggest sides in England.

“Don’t get me wrong, I think I’ve got the ability to play for a club like that,” Rice told FourFourTwo when asked about United’s reported interest, via The Daily Mirror.

“But it’s all about the timing and I don’t think the timing is right for me at all. I’ve still got so much to learn.

“I’m loving it at West Ham, the connection between me and the supporters is special. I’ve become one of the fans’ favourites and the manager likes me. It’s the best place for me to play my football.”

Rice has broken into the senior England squad in the last year after emerging as one of the most promising young English players in the Premier League.

Since the beginning of last season, Rice has won possession in the midfield third more times than any other player aged 21 or under in the Premier League (172).