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Declan Rice's West Ham exit edges closer as he pushes for Champions League football

England midfielder Declan Rice has turned up the heat on a possible move away from West Ham after expressing his desire to play in the Champions League.

The West Ham captain has been a driving force in the club's European adventures over the last two seasons, but a place in the Champions League has been out of their reach.

The majority of West Ham fans are resigned to losing their star man in the summer, as the club are unlikely to bring in a haul of silverware or the Champions League football Rice desires.

The 23-year-old's contract has less than two years to run and West Ham have the option to extend it by a further 12 months until 2025, but many are expecting the club's board to cash in sooner rather than later.

Having spent time surrounded by England players he believes are among the world's best, Rice admits he is keen to emulate some of their achievements at club level.

"100 per cent I want to play in the Champions League. I've been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing," he said.

"I see my friends here, who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.
"You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you've won and the biggest games you've played in."

Rice also believes England's "world-class" squad deserve to be feared at the World Cup.

Gareth Southgate's side face Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday evening having progressed as winners of Group B.
"I think it's top, top level," Rice said of the England squad in Qatar.
"It's always nice to know you can bring players off the bench who can instantly change the game.
"Whether we're drawing 0-0 and need a freshen up up front, or we need a change in legs in midfield, or even at the back, we've got players that are world class that can come on and change the game instantly.
"Throughout a World Cup you're going to need that quality. So I think it ranks really high among other squads in the tournament.
"Why should we not be feared? I think other nations will always look at us and think about the quality we've got in the squad. If you look at our attacking players, there are world class, unbelievable talents across the board. Across the whole team.
"There are players who have played in the biggest games, won the biggest trophies. We are one of the biggest teams here."
While there will be fierce competition to earn a place in the starting line-up against Senegal, Rice believes it is a healthy battle.
"What's so good about our group here is we're all so supportive of each other," he said.
"So it is probably a selection headache for the manager. Whoever he picks, I know everyone will be rooting for each other.
"It's about a real team effort now. If you want to get to the end you're going to need a full squad. We'll be really supportive of whoever the manager picks."

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