West Ham star Rice ‘interested in transfer’ amid Man Utd links
West Ham midfielder and Manchester United target Declan Rice is ‘interested in a transfer’, according to reports.
The England star, capped 15 times by his country, is one of the hottest properties in the Premier League.
His brilliant displays for West Ham in recent seasons have led to plenty of interest from the ‘big six’.
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Liverpool and Chelsea are thought to be in the race, but it’s the Red Devils who seem to be the most keen.
They’re prepared to offer in-form loanee Jesse Lingard as part of a player-plus-cash deal for Rice.
Manchester United might’ve received a boost in their pursuit of the 22-year-old, too.
According to Manchester Evening News, Rice is ‘interested’ in a move to Old Trafford in the summer transfer window.
He played with current stars Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw during the international break and asked them about the club.
Other Manchester United players, including Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard, are known to be popular in the England team.
Lingard in particular has formed a good relationship with Rice at the London Stadium.
If a player-plus-cash deal for Rice fails and Lingard moves back to United, then it seems Rice may follow him.
United already have a history of buying England internationals after major tournaments.
Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney all joined after playing for England between 2002 and 2006.
Rice could become the latest England star to join that list.
The midfielder, who can also operate as a defender, has been in fantastic form this campaign.
He’s played 32 times in all competitions and is one of David Moyes’ first names on the team sheet.
His glowing partnership with Tomas Soucek in midfield is one of the key components of West Ham’s success, allowing them to compete for a top-four spot.
Rice’s leadership is another trait which is getting top Premier League clubs excited.
He’s learning from veteran West Ham player Mark Noble and is already a big voice in the team.
Rice most recently captained the Hammers in their 3-3 draw with Arsenal.
Jarrod Bowen and Lingard scored as they held Mikel Arteta’s men at home.