Manchester United are reportedly planning on a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.
According to a report in The Guardian, Erik ten Hag is eager to rival Arsenal for the Englishman’s signature. The Gunners are still the likeliest destination for the 24-year-old however.
This comes as Hammers boss David Moyes admits there is a good chance Rice will leave this summer.
“We’d love for him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case at the end of the season.”
Moyes added that, “There are plans that we have Dec here but we’re also fully aware there is a good chance we won’t have him.”
West Ham are desperate to retain Rice but are aware they could be fighting a losing battle as his contract has only a year left.
One key area of recruitment for United is the centre-midfield, with ten Hag keen to add some physicality.
The fee for Rice is likely to be around £120m with the fee Borussia Dortmund get for Jude Bellingham setting the precedent.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Declan Rice’s key qualities
Rice is a versatile young midfielder, capable of playing a variety of roles in the middle. From a defensive midfielder to a box to box midfielder he can do it all. Rice has also played as a centre-back in his career to date.
Rice’s versatility would be a great bonus for United. He could be an ideal Casemiro replacement for his inevitable suspension. While also having everything needed to line-up next to him too.
He would be a great fill in for Casemiro through his seemingly inevitable suspensions, while also being very capable of playing next to him in a more progressive role.
The Hammers captain is also a great leader and personality to have in the dressing room. Therefore, it is hard to find a drawback to this signing if ten Hag wants him.
The only concern is whether his ball playing ability suits the style of midfielder ten Hag is looking for. That being said he would no doubt be a wonderful signing.
