Manchester United make new Declan Rice move and might already have blown it

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Manchester United have made an approach to West Ham for Declan Rice – but not the one the Hammers were anticipating.

Manchester United are currently outsiders in the race to sign England midfielder Declan Rice.

The Athletic report Manchester City and Arsenal are both attempting to land the West Ham star, who his club value at around £100 million.

The Mail report Manchester United have been making enquiries over Rice and plan a swap offer. However, the players involved and the cash, is probably not going to tempt West Ham enough for it to succeed.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24

Manchester United new swap offer for Declan Rice

A report from The Telegraph this week claimed Manchester United planned to offer Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay plus cash for Declan Rice.

However, The Mail report Manchester United want to offer Harry Maguire and Anthony Elanga plus cash.

The cash involved is said to be only £40 million.

It is hard to believe this will appeal to West Ham. While they want a young forward, Elanga does not have the prolific goal record they crave.

The MEN report United only value Elanga at £10 million. With this in mind, United’s offer is unlikely to even reach West Ham’s £100 million valuation.

The biggest problem with this ‘bid’, is that Manchester United are not offering West Ham the player they want and need the most; Scott McTominay, who would be a direct replacement for Declan Rice.

With McTominay as part of the bid, Manchester United’s offer to West Ham would be tempting. Without him, it will surely be flatly rejected.

This isn’t the offer West Ham had in mind, and while it could be a case of Manchester United low-balling early before returning with a more valuable second bid.

But time may already be getting away from United.

Gianluca Di Marzio reports Manchester City are getting closer to an agreement with West Ham.

United’s weak swap offer is unlikely to sway the situation. Instead it simply points to a club which is struggling in the market, lacking the cash to secure the truly big deals.