Rice, 23, has just two years left on his contract and has rejected the Hammers’ offer of an eight-year extension which would boost his wages to £200,000-a-week.
Chelsea and Manchester United have both been linked with a move for Rice this summer with the Premier League giants in need of a top quality central-midfielder.
This week, his teammate Antonio was asked if he has tried to make Rice stay at West Ham but the Jamaican international refused to be drawn on the topic.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: ‘Dec has not even touched his best yet. He is unbelievable. What I see every day in training, he’s got so much more to do, got so much more to learn.
‘But what he’s doing right now, he’s up there with one of the best in the Premier League already.
‘Whatever Dec wants to do, I’ll be happy for him. I love him as a player. I love him as a person. So his decision is his at the end of the day.’
Since breaking into West Ham’s first-team, Rice has played a huge part in the east London’s club’s rise which culminated in a Europa League semi-final appearance this season.
As a result, interest in the midfielder has grown but West Ham have been able to hold on to their star man up until now.
However, failure in their attempts to extend his contract will concern the Hammers who are reluctant to let Rice edge towards the final year of his deal as it will decrease his value.
A price of £100m has reportedly been put on Rice but, earlier this season, West Ham manager David Moyes suggested he could be worth as much as £150m.
It is believed Rice wants to play Champions League football and will find it hard to turn down a move to a side which will help him achieve that ambition.
MORE : West Ham offer Declan Rice huge eight-year contract but Man Utd and Chelsea target unlikely to sign new deal
MORE : Danny Mills tips Declan Rice to reject Manchester United move if West Ham qualify for the Champions League
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Football News Click Here
