West Ham stalwart Declan Rice is enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Manchester United at the end of the season, as reported by the...
West Ham stalwart Declan Rice is enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Manchester United at the end of the season, as reported by the Metro.
United and Chelsea were both linked with a high-profile move for the 22-year-old last summer, but West Ham’s £80million asking price fended off Rice’s suitors.
Former Blues boss Frank Lampard insisted on the midfielder’s return to Stamford Bridge, though the club refused to fulfil his request.
With Lampard now out of the picture, the Red Devils are left alone in the chase of one of the most consistent Premier League performers over the past few years.
It is said that Rice was interested in linking up with Chelsea ahead of 2020/21, as he looks to take his career to the next step.
Despite missing out on a Stamford Bridge reunion, it has not reflected on the England international’s performances at West Ham, with the midfielder continuing to amaze this season.
The Hammers are desperate to retain their captain, though their efforts to prevent Rice’s move to Old Trafford may depend on whether they can qualify for the Champions League.
David Moyes’ men currently have a slim one-point lead on fifth-placed Chelsea in fourth, with seven league matches left to play.
West Ham’s hopes of keeping hold of their in-demand star would grow significantly should they manage to preserve their current position.
However, a potential failure could see Rice depart London in the summer, with the player already asking Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw about the Red Devils.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already started the preparations for life after Paul Pogba and is looking to add a top-class deep-lying midfielder to his star-studded squad.
Capable of covering multiple positions in the opening third, Rice perfectly fits the profile, with his understanding of English football making his case ever so strong.
A potential worry for United could be Moyes’ stance on his midfielder’s value.
The former Red Devils manager warned his ex-employers off their pursuit of Rice only last month, though his interest in keeping Jesse Lingard may give United an upper hand in potential negotiations.
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