Declan Rice has told pals he’d prefer to stay in London and has no interest in joining Manchester United.

United have been linked with Rice since the West Ham and England midfielder emerged into the first team with the Hammers as an 18-year-old.

Chelsea is believed to be Rice’s favoured destination if he leaves West Ham who value the defensive midfielder at a whopping £80 million.

Rice, who can also play at centre-back, is ambitious for Champions League football and trophies and although the Hammers are only three points off fourth place the club fear he could leave in the summer.

Talk of a bumper new wage boost has so far not materialised – but it’s unlikely he’ll move to Old Trafford.