Joe Cole compares Declan Rice to Paul Gascoigne as Peter Crouch claims he could ‘walk into any team’

Joe Cole and Peter Crouch have heaped praise on West Ham captain Declan Rice amidst speculation regarding his future.

Rice became the fifth player to reach 200 Premier League appearances for the Hammers when he captained the side against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The England midfielder also became the ninth-youngest player to reach the tally in the Premier League, and Cole insisted that his wonder goal in the Europa Conference League against Gent last week represented a ‘bonus’ in what the midfielder can offer his team.

‘It’s incredible. He is an all-round midfielder. A lot of criticism has come his way about not scoring.’ Cole said on BT Sport.

‘When we see him playing for England and he plays a role he really controls it from there and he breaks up play, that is what he does very very well but he’s added [goals] to his game.

 The 27-year-old won the ball in his own half and ran 60 yards before slotting home

‘For me, it’s not a necessity it is a bonus. I said it on the night, this is Paul Gascoigne-like, at his pomp.

‘But he’s got that in his locker and I just think there’s going to be so many suitors for him at the end of the season as clubs all around Europe will want Declan Rice in their team. West Ham have got a real real gem and credit to him for getting so fast to 200 games.’

Despite West Ham’s mixed performances this season, the 24-year-old has again shined, leading to a number of the Premier League’s elite keeping tabs on the midfielder.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly made Rice his top target for the summer window, while Man City and Chelsea have also shown an interest in signing the England international.

Rice’s current deal at the London Stadium is set to expire at the end of next season and Peter Crouch insisted he would be capable of starting in any Premier League team should he decide to leave.

‘It’s a difficult one because if he stays he would be a West Ham legend,’ Crouch said.

‘But I think the fans understand that maybe he will want to go and play Champions League football.

‘I think that he could walk into any team, I really do. I think Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea; I think he would walk into any team.’

Rice has been the subject of significant speculation regarding his future, with Arsenal reportedly keen to sign the midfielder