Declan Rice has eased West Ham fans’ fears over his future, saying he wants to sign a new deal at the club despite the recent impasse over his contract talks.

The 19-year-old, who remains on his £3,000-a-week academy deal, has been offered an improved £15,000 per week salary as well as £20,000 for each Premier League start and a rise after every 15 League appearances, though talks have halted for the moment.

With reports claiming London rivals Tottenham have taken an interest in Rice recently, he has affirmed his commitment to West Ham.

“I want to sign for West Ham and I think it is going to happen,” he told The Times. “Playing every week is what is best for me at the moment and hopefully the contract can come soon.

“As a youngster there is not as much pressure on your shoulders as when you are the last line of defence,” he added of his move to midfield.

“I made mistakes last season and people, including on social media, hammer you. After Liverpool I had to get back in the side.”

While he remains in the midst of negotiating a deal which could be worth upwards of £35,000-a-week come the end of the season, Rice has not lost touch with the real world and remains happy to even take the bus to training.

“There were fans waiting outside the training ground and they said, ‘Why have you just got off the bus?’” he said. “I said, ‘My car is in for repair.’ They started laughing. I don’t mind doing that. I had my headphones on. Two people spotted me at the bus stop but I put my hood up after that.”