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Manchester United are interested in West Ham star Declan Rice and may use Jesse Lingard in a swap deal, it’s been claimed. John Murtough’s time as football director has got off to a successful start, with a move for Jadon Sancho agreed and another for Raphael Varane in the works. And with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking to strengthen his squad, Rice could be next.
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The England international flourished for the Hammers last term, helping them finish in the Europa League qualifying positions.
And he’s also impressed on the international stage, helping Gareth Southgate’s side reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 with some slick and solid showings in the middle of the park.
United are well-stocked for midfielders at present but, according to The Guardian, could use Lingard as bait to bring the 22-year-old to Old Trafford.
Rice has reportedly rejected a new contract with West Ham, who is valued at £100million.
And United, always on the lookout for the best British players, may now make a move as a direct result.
The problem for Murtough and other Old Trafford powerbrokers is, however, the fact that Chelsea are keen on a possible deal as well.
Thomas Tuchel has reportedly identified Rice as a ‘key target’ and will make room for the 22-year-old by offloading Billy Gilmour, who is primed to join Norwich on loan.
Rice came through the Chelsea academy during his youth and would likely relish the chance to play alongside close friend Mason Mount on a regular basis.
And what ultimately happens remains to be seen.
Speaking recently, Eurosport’s Dean Jones opened up on Rice’s situation and expressed a belief the West Ham star was ‘open to leaving the London Stadium’ should a suitable offer arrive.
Man Utd may use Jesse Lingard in a swap deal to land Declan Rice transfer (Image: GETTY)
He said: “Yes I spoke to someone over the weekend who knows Declan pretty well and I said to them: ‘Where’s his head at?’
“I’ve always been of the belief that Declan Rice just won’t leave West Ham right now.
“And he said ‘actually you’d be surprised, Rice is leaning towards being very open to leaving if the right offer comes along.
“So that’s interesting in itself. I think Declan Rice realises that this is a fantastic opportunity for him i the form he’s been in, breaking into the England starting XI.
“We often see players make moves when they’re at this point and they know that, in a year’s time, that opportunity could pass them by.
Man Utd transfer target Declan Rice has flourished for West Ham this term (Image: GETTY)
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“People who work for Declan Rice have said in the past to the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea that he’s willing to leave London if the right offer is there, the right terms, the right project.
“He’s got his eyes open, with regards to the future.
“I still think, personally, that Chelsea is the most likely place Declan Rice ends up.
“Because of the amount of salary he wants, because of the signing on fee he’d take and because of the price West Ham are going to want it’s a huge package to sign Declan Rice.”
Rice is expected to be involved when England face Ukraine at Euro 2020 on Saturday (8pm).