Chelsea legend John Terry helped sway West Ham youngster Declan Rice to defect from the Republic of Ireland to England this week.

The Sun says key to the 20-year-old's decision was former England captain Terry, who has become a key source of advice for the highly-rated midfielder.

Rice has struck up an increasingly close friendship with Terry ever since the then Chelsea captain called him out of the blue after he had been released by the West London club as a 14-year-old.

The pair have remained in regular contact ever since - and Aston Villa assistant boss Terry was one of the biggest influences on the Hammers star as he made the tough choice over his international future.

Terry, 38, is understood to have made it clear to the player that choosing England would be the best for his short-term development and long-term career.