
Manchester United plot Declan Rice bid as big clubs circle midfielder
Manchester United are ready to test West Ham over Declan Rice when the transfer window opens, report The Evening Standard.
The Red Devils have been linked with the England midfielder for some time, as have Chelsea, while Manchester City are also said to now be keen on Rice.
Billionaire-owned Man United [Forbes] are in need of strengthening after a disappointing end to the campaign, and it is believed signing a central midfielder is their main priority.
However, David Moyes has said Rice would cost “The Bank of England plus the Bank of Scotland” and the 22-year-old has no “pressing desire to leave” West Ham this summer.
Staying put
We think Rice will stay this summer as neither the club nor the player is keen on an exit.
That means we can demand a ridiculous fee in order to let him go, and hopefully that leads the likes of Man United to turn their attention to other targets.
European football will appeal to Rice and since he is flourishing at the London Stadium there is no reason for him to leave.
He is a key figure on and off the pitch and will soon take over full captain responsibilities from Mark Noble, who will likely be a bit-part player next term.
Also, Rice is constantly improving and he is getting in the England side.
West Ham have got better with him in midfield and we could push on again next season to challenge for a top-four place.
If we achieve that the club could be a little more willing to let Rice leave, as the £100m+ we should get for him could improve a number of areas in the squad.
In other West Ham news, Report: West Ham set for big transfer boost in pursuit of ‘Amazing’ 23yo star, on-fire for club.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.