Rivals’ £60m deal ruins Manchester United star’s chances of summer exit

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When the details of Manchester United’s offer for West Ham captain Declan Rice filtered through on Thursday, the overriding feeling was one of surprise.

Not because the Red Devils had offered just £40 million as part of a proposed player-plus-cash deal; Erik ten Hag was always going to have to get creative as Manchester United battle with Financial Fair Play limitations. But because of the identity of their chosen ‘sweeteners’.

The inclusion of Harry Maguire was not a shock. Maguire is surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, and David Moyes is a long-term admirer of a player scouted during his short-lived spell at United a decade ago.

But Antony Elanga? All the speculation had suggested that it would be Scott McTominay offered to West Ham alongside Maguire, rather than the seldom-seen Swede.

Moyes, per The Telegraph, is a big fan of McTominay too, after all.

Manchester United’s Scott McTominay could replace Declan Rice

Of course, this does not mean McTominay will not end up at West Ham after all.

The smart money may still be on the Hammers winning the race for the Scot’s signature, especially given that McTominay shares many of the attributes West Ham will lose if or when Declan Rice seals his departure, presumably to Manchester City rather than Arsenal. 

Moyes won’t be short of cash either; a nine-figure sum burning a hole in his back pocket. The same cannot really be said of the other two clubs reportedly keen on a man who will fall even further down Ten Hag’s pecking order if United find that third time really is a charm in their long-running pursuit of Chelsea’s Mason Mount.

Cash-strapped Everton are in no position to meet McTominay’s £40 million asking price as things stand (ESPN).

Newcastle United, meanwhile, have agreed a £60 million deal for Sandro Tonali; the AC Milan playmaker arriving at St James’ Park to much ‘bewilderment’ from those connected with the Rossoneri. 

Tonali combines the craft of Bruno Guimaraes with the industry of Sean Longstaff, Joelinton and Joe Willock. His impending arrival at St James’ Park also serves to close off another potential destination available to Scott McTominay.

Man United might not have offered McTominay as part of the package they offered to West Ham for Declan Rice earlier this week. But do not be surprised if the Scot still ends the summer in claret-and-blue.