Man Utd transfer target Declan Rice has run with ball further than any other Premier League player this season

WEST HAM star Declan Rice has carried the ball further than any Premier League player this season.

The midfielder has travelled 7,258 metres with the ball at his feet.

He has vastly outperformed every other player in the league except Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte, who is narrowly behind on 6,911.

Bernardo Silva is the next best midfielder on the list with 6,097, which highlights just how good Rice has been.

And considering City have enjoyed an average of 68 per cent possession this term compared to West Ham’s 47, it is easy to see why Rice is so highly rated.

It is understandable the Citizens have five players in the top ten, therefore, though Jack Grealish’s inclusion is somewhat of a surprise.

The England winger has failed to make the desired impact since his £100million switch last summer, at least in terms of goals and assists.

Grealish has had to fight for his place in Pep Guardiola’s side with competition for places fierce, but his 4,612m run with the ball shows he is still one of the best dribblers in the league.

Rice has improved that area of his game significantly over the last few months, adding millions onto his price tag in the process.

Hammers boss David Moyes said the midfielder was worth £100m just last month but West Ham now want £150m.

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They know both Manchester United and Chelsea are eager to get their hands on their vice-captain.

And with two years left on Rice’s contract, plus the option of a further year, West Ham know they can play hardball.

Moyes is also aware that the player would be incredibly difficult to replace, not least because of his ball-carrying ability.