Man Utd set to rival Chelsea interest in Declan Rice | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly set to rival Chelsea in their pursuit of West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice.

The 22-year-old has impressed fans and pundits alike this season at the heart of the Hammers midfield, while he’s also taken on the captaincy on a number of occasions in the absence of usual club captain Mark Noble.

Despite the club suffering a turbulent summer with unrest among the fanbase – particularity after the sale of youth star Grady Diangana – the season has been a real positive one for David Moyes’ side, with the Hammers currently tenth in the table and just six points off a Champions League spot.

The form of Rice, in particular, has been one of the reasons for their sharp upturn in form, with his battling displays in central midfield really catching the eye of late.

Such performances have inevitably piqued the interest of the Premier League‘s ‘bigger’ sides, with Chelsea, in particular, heavily linked with bringing the player to back to Stamford Bridge – the England international previously spending time in the Blues youth set-up, before being released at the age of 14.

While a reunion with his former club would appear the most likely option for the player, ESPN are reporting that league leaders Manchester United are also keen on making a move for Rice this summer.

As per the report, United are planning to make key additions in the summer, with a new forward, holding midfielder and central defender the club’s priorities.

The Red Devils are currently well-stocked in the midfield department, yet the expected departure of Paul Pogba this summer could see the Red Devils look to strengthen their midfield options.

The Frenchman has been in fine form of late despite the ongoing speculation regarding his future, although following his agent Mino Raiola’s comments earlier this season and the fact his current contract is set to expire in 18 months time, it looks as if it could well be his last campaign in a United shirt.

One major stumbling block in their pursuit of Rice would perhaps be the Hammers asking price, with the club set to demand over £70million for their key asset.

The versatile midfielder current deal is set to run until 2024, with the East London club having the option of extending it for a further year and with thus with little pressure to sell.

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