A West Ham fan has set up a Go Fund Me page in order to pay for Declan Rice's new contract with the club.

The 19-year-old endured a tough start to life under Manuel Pellegrini. Having become a regular first team fixture under Daivd Moyes last season, Pellegrini hauled Rice off at half time during the opening game of the season at Liverpool, and dropped him from the squad altogether for his first home game in charge.

Since then, however, Rice has thrived at the base of the Chilean's midfield three, providing first-class cover for the back four behind him while also serving as a sturdy platform for the forward line.

Rice remains on his academy contract of about £3,000 per week and, despite his fine form this season, the board are reluctant to budge from their latest offer which stands at £21,000-a-week, rising by £5,000 after every 15 Premier League appearances, as well as £20,000 for each League start.

While the offer remains on the table, there has been no significant progress on a deal for almost a month, leading one fan to step in and try and drum up the funds himself.

"Declan Rice reportedly wants a new 40k a week contract. That's about £2 mill a year," wrote Greg Richardson.

"The board are dragging their heels.

"Let's raise the funds to pay for the first year of the contract our future captain desires. #coyi"

The page, which has a target of £2million, is yet to yeild a donation.