Marlon Harewood fears West Ham have a battle on their hands to hang on to Declan Rice this summer.

Rice, 23, has been the star man as the Hammers have defied expectations this season, finding themselves well in the hunt for a place in the Premier League’s top four as well as reaching the last 16 of the Europa League. 

The Irons collide with six-time UEFA Cup/Europa League winners Sevilla in the first leg of their knockout encounter tonight, with Rice hoping to return to action having missed last Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Liverpool due to illness.

Defeat exposed the gap Rice leaves when not available and Harewood is under no illusion as to how important the England ace is to the East Londoners' chances of success this season and beyond.

Speaking to LiveScore at the London Football Awards, the ex-Hammers forward said: "He’s such a leader. To see what he’s learnt from playing alongside Mark Noble in central midfield, it’s just a pleasure to watch him grow — he’s been fantastic.

"He’s been absolutely phenomenal. I’ve watched him come on leaps and bounds from when he was a young lad to how he is now.

"Hopefully he stays at West Ham. It’s always difficult when you’ve got players of that quality playing so well. It’s always difficult when you’ve got top players like that.

"We will see how his mindset is. He’s a winner, so hopefully West Ham can keep him there and he can win trophies with them."

Great Scot

Harewood, 42, spent four seasons with the Hammers, including one in English football's second tier, and is delighted to see their success on both the domestic and European stage under David Moyes.

He holds particular respect for the Glaswegian coach and the improvements he has made since starting his second spell in charge at the London Stadium in December 2019.

Harewood added: "Moyes has done a fantastic job there. He’s gone in there for a second time and obviously knew what he needed to do.

"It’s good they’ve let him come back and let him do what he wanted to do. It really shows they’ve got a great team spirit — the lads are playing some fantastic football.

"It’s so enjoyable. Carlton [Cole] and I are still representing West Ham and we go to loads of the games. It’s just a joy to watch. 

"All the teams that come to the London Stadium, there's plenty of London derbies. That’s what it's all about really, the fans are getting so excited because West Ham are doing well. 

"It’s a good time to be a West Ham fan."

Sevilla warning

Having become recognised as Europa League specialists in recent seasons, Sevilla were earmarked as a team to avoid when the draw for the last 16 was made.

But while Harewood is well aware of the difficult task that awaits Moyes' men, he is pleased to see his former club going up against one of the competition’s biggest sides.

The ex-Irons No10 added: "It’s a good test. They’ve done so well and Sevilla will be one of those games where they can see where they are and where they need to get to.

"It’s good to see just how far they’ve come and hopefully they can carry it on."

Meanwhile, former Arsenal striker Alan Smith is similarly optimistic about West Ham's chances of causing a stir in Europe.

The Sky Sports pundit, 59, said: "I think they can go a long way, I really do. As a team, they’re very solid, they know what they’re about.

"They’ve had a little bit of a rocky patch but seem to be getting back on track now. 

"Under Moyes, they know what he’s about. I’m sure he’d love to add more players to that squad because he doesn’t make too many changes. 

"He knows what he likes and he sticks to it but they’ll be a threat. They’re the type of team nobody will enjoy playing against at home or abroad. 

"They are a serious football club, a serious team."