FORMER Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has told Declan Rice to quit West Ham in order to pursue Champions League football.
Rice has continued to be a hugely instrumental figure for West Ham this season, helping the team progress into the latter stages of the Europa League and challenge once again for a place in the top four.
And three time Premier League winner Toure believes it is time for the England international to take the next step in his career.
Toure told StadiumAstro: "He's doing fantastically well. Maybe one more season but I think he should go to the first big club, one more step, Champions League team for example.
"With respect to West Ham, they're doing fantastically well… but if he wants to get on top of it, I think he should go to a Champions League team where he can make more impact.
"There he's going to improve and there he's going to be top."
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Rice was one of the stars of England's run to the Euro 2020 final, and leads the Premier League for interceptions and sits second for total distance run with the ball.
Toure said: "Let's be honest about it because I really like him, I really respect him as a player.
"I've been seeing him growing since Pellegrini was the head coach of West Ham."
Rice, 23, has been linked with a transfer to a number of high-profile Premier League clubs.
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However, Hammers boss Moyes has remained adamant the club will not sell for anything less than £150million – a figure which would be a new British transfer record.
The defensive midfielder has attracted interest from Premier League giants such as Manchester United and Chelsea, with both clubs looking for reinforcements to stregthen their spine.
Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in a 5-4 aggregate defeat last night, despite going 3-0 up.
Meanwhile, Man United now look set to appoinit Ajax manager Erik ten Hag after reaching a verbal agreement with the Dutchman.
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