OFFICIAL: Declan Rice signs new 5.5-year contract at West Ham

Declan Rice has ended fears over his future by signing a new long-term contract at West Ham.

The 19-year-old has signed a new five-and-a-half-year deal, which has an option of a further 12 months.

The news ends months of uncertainty over the player’s future after long-running contract negotiations.

Tottenham have been keen on Rice - but the midfielder will be staying at the London Stadium for the foreseeable future.

‘I’m absolutely delighted to have got the contract done, signed and to commit my future to the club until 2024. I’m absolutely ecstatic,’ said Rice.

‘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 over the line, get it done and commit myself to this club is a very special moment and I’m over the moon.

‘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.

'I’m still young, so to put more years on my contract and keep developing here is the best thing for me to do now. With the support of the manager, the players, everyone, it was the right thing to do.’

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan added: ‘Signing Declan to a new long-term contract is something we have been planning for and working round the clock on and I, the Board, the manager and Declan himself are all very happy that everything has now been completed.

‘Finalising contracts takes time but it has always been our intention to keep our best players – particularly those who have come through our Academy – at West Ham United and build our club for the future.

'I finalised the deal on Christmas Day and have been working to get the paperwork done as quickly as possible and I’d especially like to thank Club Secretary Andrew Pincher, one of our great unsung heroes, for working with me through Christmas to get this over the line.

'I’d also like to give a special mention to Academy Director, Terry Westley, who has been instrumental in working with Declan over the years to develop and nurture his talent.

‘Declan’s new contract comes hot on the heels of Mark Noble also extending his stay at the club. That news, along with the outstanding form of the team and the increase to a 60,000 capacity at London Stadium are all signs that we are moving in the right direction.’