West Ham boss informs Declan Rice of Manchester United FC news

Manuel Pellegrini has warned the big players in the Premier League that they will have to pay huge fees if they want to convince Declan Rice to leave West Ham.

Midfielder Rice is already tied to Manchester United after his first successful appearance in England against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

Other major clubs in England and abroad would also be watching the 20 year old player as a result of an extremely impressive breakthrough season for West Ham.

Rice is under contract at London Stadium until 2024, but the club's hierarchy will prepare for some interest this summer.

However, Pellegrini said: "In this case, as always, it is only a question of price.

"There are big teams who decide to pay a lot of money. Of course, if it's a good deal for the club and the player and it improves his career, we can do it. But I do not know anything yet.

Rice drew a lot of praise for his performance in front of the four backs during his three-lions debut in the 5-1 win of the Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro.

But his coolness on the international stage did not shock his coach.

"Was I surprised? No, added Pellegrini. "I know Declan Rice, I've already said, he's a young player, barely 20 years old, but his mind is that of an adult player.

"He never feels any pressure playing here or with the national team. I was absolutely sure that his level of performance would be exactly the same. He is a top, top player.

"In terms of development, he must continue to do exactly what he is doing: work in the same way, have the same mentality.

"He knows he has to improve, which is why he listens and learns constantly, so as a player, he continues to improve his games and improve his games."