Transfer News: Manchester United prepared to pay £115 million to sign Declan Rice

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to fork out £115 million for West Ham United sensation Declan Rice in the summer.

According to El Nacional, Manchester United are prepared to make a move for Declan Rice in the summer transfer window. They could table an offer of around £115 million, which they hope will be enough to convince West Ham United. Rice himself is keen on joining a club that can offer him the opportunity to win silverware, and so it is only a matter of time before he departs the London Stadium.

Manchester United’s desire to splash the cash on Rice suggests the club has conceded defeat in the battle to keep hold of Paul Pogba. With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the Frenchman is likely to exit Old Trafford for free. Newcastle United have already expressed interest in Pogba, hoping to make him their marquee signing in the summer.

Paris Saint-Germain have been listed as another potential destination for the ex-Juventus starlet, especially if Les Parisiens end up offloading Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutchman has attracted interest from Arsenal, while Newcastle remain keen on a potential reunion.

Pogba’s uncertain future at the club has now compelled Manchester United to scour the market for a replacement. Although the French international is set to leave the club for free, his departure will be free up a considerable portion of United’s wage budget, thus enabling the club to splash the cash on a marquee player next summer.

While the Red Devils have been linked with moves for Jude Bellingham and Kalvin Phillips, it appears Declan Rice has emerged as the desired option in the club’s quest to replace Pogba.

Although not a like for like replacement for the Frenchman, Manchester United believe Rice has the quality to solve one of the team’s biggest weaknesses by filling in the holding midfield role. The Englishman has already made a name for himself with his defensive solidity in the number six slot. Combined with his tactical versatility and ability to read the game, he is now a mainstay for both club and country.

Ideally, Rice could be more of a major upgrade over Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic. Along with a creative midfielder in Bruno Fernandes, he should offer the much-needed variety in the middle of the park. And at the age of just 22, the midfielder has time on his side and can be a smart long-term investment for the club.

However, it will be a challenging ask from Manchester United to secure the services of the English international, as West Ham are not too keen on the idea of offloading their star player to direct league rivals. In addition, Manchester United will also face stiff competition from Liverpool and Manchester City in the race to sign the English international.

Liverpool could be in the market for a long-term successor for James Milner, while Manchester City will need to find a replacement for Fernandinho. So it will be interesting to see whether Manchester United’s staggering £115 million offer is enough to sway the minds of the Londoners and beat rivals Liverpool and Manchester City to his signature.