West Ham boss David Moyes has admitted Declan Rice wants to play in the Champions League and be a part of the "big games".
The former Everton and Manchester United manager added that the Hammers will not let their captain "walk out of the building" as transfer speculation gains strength.
Rice, who performed well for England at the World Cup in Qatar, is reportedly linked with a move to the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
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The England midfielder has risen up the game thanks to some superb performances in the Premier League for West Ham and on the international stage. He is now regarded as one of the best around in his position.
Speaking about Rice's ambition to play at the highest level, Moyes told The Times : "He wants to win and play for a really good side which is going to give him the opportunity to do so. We hope that we can reach the Champions League. It is looking difficult at this time.
"But we’re not just going to roll over and let Dec walk out of the building, that is for sure. It is going to be a big fight. I like it because he wants to challenge himself and he wants to play in the big games and be a top player. I don’t think you’re ever going to hold anybody back from having those ambitions.
“He played as well as anybody and he was exceptional at the World Cup. For a young player he really takes on responsibility. You think about how he is going to be in another four or five years, how he will mature and improve as a player and a leader. All those things are all to come and it’s all ahead of him.”
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