Manchester United make Declan Rice request as West Ham United reject Manchester City and Arsenal bids
Manchester United have held talks internally over making a bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice as Manchester City joined Arsenal in the race, Sky Sports report.
The champions bid £90million for the England star on Monday night (26 June), improving on the Gunners’ breakdown between guaranteed money and add-ons, but as it was still well below the mooted £120million asking price it was expected to be rejected – and now has been [David Ornstein, 27 June].
United have previously been mooted to offer cash and players, and the Telegraph reported on Monday night as the City bid went in that they are still considering such a bid but have “asked for more time and must be regarded as outsiders.”
According to Sky Sports: “Manchester United have an interest in Rice and there have been discussions internally about how possible it would be to sanction a deal.
“Due to Financial Fair Play rules, it is unlikely United could spend a huge portion of their budget on one player – especially as they have other areas they want to strengthen.”
Distant third?
West Ham clearly aren’t prepared to let Rice leave at a discount as they have now taken no time at all to dismiss three bids that fell short of their valuation.
So if clubs who apparently do have the money to spend are finding it this difficult to make the breakthrough for the 24-year-old then one that possibly doesn’t have the budget is really going to struggle.
The likes of Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay have been named as of interest to David Moyes, so it is not impossible that an arrangement could be reached that satisfies the Hammers.
But the more people involved in the transaction the more complicated it gets, so it seems probable that any foray into the race from United is only going to come somewhere down the line if it becomes clear that neither City or Arsenal are going to meet the asking price.
The third offer from the Emirates is expected to arrive imminently, and while it would be a surprise for them to bid the full £120million, if they reach nine figures a deal may not be too far off.
But the improvement on their second rejected proposal will be instructive of their outlook going forward, and if it is a just minor increase in overall money with a change in the breakdown of the offer then everyone might have to settle in for the long haul.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are now in transfer negotiations to sign part of Chelsea’s nightmare season.