Manchester United are reportedly set to target West Ham United star and recently capped English international Declan Rice in the summer.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are looking into the prospect of a triple summer swoop for English internationals. The Red Devils have already been linked with two stars and it seems Declan Rice is the third star. The West Ham United youngster has entered the United periscope, with a summer bid likely.
The report states that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has been confirmed as the new permanent Manchester United manager, has already intimated his transfer market desires to Ed Woodward. The newly appointed manager has made it known that English players are his priority and has named three English stars as part of the priority summer shortlist.
While Jadon Sancho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have already been linked to Manchester United, interest in Declan Rice had waned after the 20-year-old signed a new long-term contract at West Ham United in December, 2018.
Rice has been a regular for the Hammers this season under Manuel Pellegrini and has recently become a senior international for England in controversial manner after ditching Republic of Ireland, a nation he had already represented thrice. It is his tenacity and calmness in front of the back four that has really caught the eye of big clubs, including Manchester United.
The Red Devils have Nemanja Matic as the only true holding midfield option, with Scott McTominay having recently emerged as a viable option in the said role. The Serb’s inconsistent form might be a problem for Manchester United going forward and Solskjaer is keen to bring in capable reinforcements.
That Declan Rice can also operate as a centre-back and was previously likened to fellow West Ham academy star and England legend John Terry, who he admits to being his inspiration, could also aid United’s level of interest in the 20-year-old.
As per The Sun’s report, United will have to offload at least one centre-back to make room for Rice. The 20-year-old is valued at £40 million and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made Woodward aware he wants to bring in English youngsters to build his own version of the ‘Class of 1992’.
It will be interesting as to what shape Manchester United’s squad takes in the summer, especially with a manager like Solskjaer, who is in tune with the identity and culture of the club, at the helm. Exciting times ahead for the Red Devils, who would hope to add Rice and the other English targets to their squad come summer.
