Manchester United could be set to go all out for Declan Rice in the summer, according to reports.
Rice has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign that has been nothing short of spectacular. The 20-year-old has made 33 appearances for West Ham so far, scoring two in the process. His performances this season have seen him earn the interest of several top clubs in the Premier League. United in particular are said to be very keen about the prospect of bringing him to Old Trafford.
Despite him having made only 56 appearances in the Premier League, the Hammers are likely to demand a hefty price to let Rice leave. The midfielder signed a new 5-year contract with the club in December, and hence are in no risk of losing him. The player himself seems very content at the London-based club and is not allowing himself to get distracted by the speculation.
However, as early as last month, Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini himself said that the club might be forced to sell should an irresistible bid be put before them. Rice’s asking price is said to be in the region of £50 million at the moment. With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans to build a United squad for the future, Ed Woodward could back him with all the funds he needs in the upcoming transfer window. Hence, the asking price isn’t really something the club would balk at.
Rice is also on a modest wage packet of around £30,000-a-week at West Ham. That sum would undoubtedly be ‘dwarfed’ by the amount United put on the table, according to a report in The Independent.
Speaking about Rice’s potential move to United, Pellegrini said: “In that case, as always, it is just a matter of price.
“There are big teams who decide to pay an important amount of money. Sure, if it is a good deal for the club and the player and improves his career, then we can do it. But I know nothing about that yet.”
Rice is just one of many players that have been linked with a switch to Old Trafford in recent weeks. United are eyeing a replacement for Ander Herrera, who appears set to leave the club in the summer. Tanguy Ndombele, Youri Tielemans and Thomas Partey are also being scouted as the club prepare for a massive revamp of the squad under Solskjaer.
