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Rice tipped to follow in Ferdinand's footsteps by attracting 'bigger clubs' & England recognition

Declan Rice can follow Rio Ferdinand’s lead by attracting interest from “bigger clubs” and forcing his way into the England side, says Alvin Martin.

At just 19 years of age, the versatile Hammers academy graduate has already received plenty of attention.

An international tug of war between the Republic of Ireland and Three Lions has rumbled on for some time, while Rice’s club future was also called into question prior to penning a new long-term contract in December.

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Premier League rivals were already reported to be shooting admiring glances in the direction of the London Stadium at that stage, and the youngster has enhanced his reputation since then.