Paper round-up: Rice tipped to choose England

West Ham defender Declan Rice is leaning towards choosing England over the Republic of Ireland, according to the Daily Mail.

The London-born Rice has played for the Republic but only in friendlies, so remains eligible to play for England.

England assistant boss Steve Holland watched Rice in action against Manchester United at the weekend.

The Mail say Holland “will deliver a glowing appraisal” of him to England boss Gareth Southgate and that “Football Association chiefs have received significant encouragement” that Rice will opt to play for the country of his birth.

Meanwhile, Eden Hazard could be made Chelsea captain, according to the Daily Telegraph.

With Gary Cahill, who took over as captain from John Terry, having lost his place in the side, Cesar Azpilicueta has worn the armband this season.

Boss Maurizio Sarri has repeatedly said he is yet to make a final decision on who will be club captain.

The Telegraph say defender Azpilicueta hopes to be named as permanent skipper by Sarri this week but that the Italian could instead opt for Hazard.

The newspaper say there “has been a feeling within the club” that making Hazard captain might help persuade him to commit his long-term future to Chelsea and sign a new contract.

And in an interview with the The Times, Michy Batshuayi says he does not want to join Valencia on a permanent basis and that he is aiming to return to Chelsea “a better player”.