Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - November 29, 2022. England's Declan Rice celebrates qualifying for the knockout stages.
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, when talking about the summer’s potential biggest transfers, has made a claim involving Man United and Declan Rice.
The Lowdown: Rice in demand…
The Red Devils, according to various reports, are not the only side eyeing a potential move for the West Ham star.
Reports suggest that Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the running to sign him in 2023 and there have been some suggestions they’re joined by Premier League champions Man City.
The England international has been in fine form for the struggling Hammers again this season, leading to increased speculation that he could be on the way out of east London.
The Latest: Man United in the mix…
Erik ten Hag’s side, according to Sky journalist Solhekol, are in the mix to sign him this year alongside Arsenal and Chelsea.
Man United are apparently interested in signing him this year and it would take a ‘big, big transfer fee’ to get him out as West Ham demand a marquee fee.
He said on The Transfer Show, when asked about the summer’s biggest deals (via Sky transfer blog):
“One of the biggest looks like being West Ham’s Declan Rice. He looks like he’ll be leaving in the summer, even though he’ll have two years left on his contract.
“If he doesn’t sign a new deal then next summer will be the optimum time for them to sell him, and at the moment Arsenal are leading the race for his signature. Man Utd and Chelsea are also interested, but the possibility of him moving to Arsenal would be a great signing for him.
“As far as West Ham are concerned, he’s not for sale and if he was to leave, it would take a big, big transfer fee to get him out of the club before his contract expires.”
The Verdict: Push…
While Mikel Arteta’s side are thought to be in pole position as things stand, we believe the appeal of an historic club like United, combined with the right contract terms, could swap Rice into an Old Trafford move.
Currently inside the top four, United’s recent form suggests ten Hag could be steadily building a winning side.
If that is enough to persuade Rice later this year, there is no question he would add real quality in front of United’s defence – even with Casemiro’s presence.
WhoScored outline the 24-year-old as being West Ham’s best-performing player by average match rating, not to mention he has averaged a higher pass accuracy (89.4%) than anyone in United’s squad bar Victor Lindelof.
Rice, averaging more interceptions than any player in Moyes’ team, has also added attacking contribution to his game with one goal and two assists respectively.
Called a ‘beast‘ by members of the media in recent seasons, his numbers more than outline a possible midfield upgrade for United.
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