Rice has 'urgent' desire to play in UCL as West Ham are told how they can keep him

The West Ham star has enjoyed yet another fine season with the Hammers well in the hunt to finish in the top four.

They're also flying in the Europa League having breezed through to the last-16 but Rice, who believes he's now 'one of the established top players around the world', has his eye on bigger and better things.

When asked how desperate he is to play in the Champions League, Rice told ESPN: "It is as urgent as possible.

"I feel like, not only for me, that's for every young player as well.

"We are really close with West Ham at the minute, and last season it was gutting to lose out on it but we are pushing. Look, we'll keep going. Champions League is a big aim of mine and hopefully one day I can play in it and do well.

"I feel like I am one of the established top players around the world. I am only 23 so I am still young — that's what I mean in that sense — but in terms of my playing ability and the way I've performed consistently.

"I see myself as an established player now who has got good experience and can play at any level if required."

These comments will no doubt worry West Ham fans with Rice reportedly wanted by the Premier League's big hitters, including Chelsea and Manchester United.

But Darren Bent doesn't believe Rice leaving West Ham this summer is a foregone conclusion.

However, it will be a very difficult task and their best hope of keeping their star man is by winning the Europa League, believes Bent.

"If they win the Europa League then of course he's not going anywhere," Bent said on Drive.

"If they win the Europa, they're in the Champions League and they've won a trophy which is massive for the football club.

"If they don't finish in the Champions League spots, if they don't win the Europa and then someone comes in with a big bid, what's holding him back?"

Although West Ham are just two points off fourth place they go into the clash at Anfield in indifferent form having won just one of their last four outings.