Rice and West Ham have 'gentleman's agreement' that he will stay for one more season

That's according to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, who 'wouldn't be surprised' to see the England international end up at Chelsea.

Rice, who looks set to be handed the West Ham captaincy next season following the departure of Mark Noble, has been heavily linked with a move away from the club this summer.

Both Chelsea and Manchester United were seen as the favourites for his signature after another superb campaign in east London last season.

But Crook believes that Rice will give West Ham one more year, with his next move potentially influenced by his friendship with Blues midfielder Mason Mount and ties to his former boyhood club.

"It wouldn't surprise him if he ends up at Chelsea in the long haul," Crook told White and Jordan on talkSPORT.

"People feel that he might have a bit of unfinished business there, possibly similar to Nathan Ake - it looks like he will be on his way back to Stamford Bridge from Man City.

"We know about his friendship with Mason Mount. Simon [Jordan] will probably tell you that that doesn't really come into play when players pick their new clubs, but they do have a really strong bond.

"I think Declan Rice will give West Ham one more year.

"I think there's almost a gentleman agreement that he will do that… although we know they don't mean much in football from the Harry Kane saga last summer.

"I expect him to leave next summer and if Chelsea are a Champions League club, if they finish in the top four as I would expect them to, I think they'll be right there knocking on West Ham's door."