Manchester United could beat Arsenal to the signing of West Ham and England star Declan Rice and the player's price tag is dropping, according to former Hammers striker Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Rice a wanted man
The 24-year-old has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over the last few years, performing with great consistency for both club and country.
There is a feeling that Rice has outgrown West Ham, however, with David Moyes' side struggling this season and a summer exit potentially on the cards. Called 'sensational' this month by football writer Eduardo Hagn, Rice is down to the final 18 months of his current contract - albeit with a club option to extend for another season.
United are one of many clubs who have been eyeing a move for the midfielder, as Erik ten Hag looks at improving his squad.
The Latest: McAvennie reacts
Reports last week said the Red Devils are 'in the running' for Rice and will battle Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature.
Reacting in a chat to Football Insider, McAvennie said that he believes the Red Devils would be a good fit for Rice, questioning if the England star would move to north London:
"I think he would be great. He has got a big head to go to Man United and be part of the revolution. I do not know if he would want to go to Arsenal.
"His money is dropping every year now so he has got to go somewhere. He is not hitting the same form as what he has been hitting. You are talking £20/£30million you are going to be dropping. They were talking about over £100m, now it is only £70m.
"He will move at the end of the season, one million per cent. It is happening now. I would not be surprised if he goes abroad but he will be joining a huge club. He is a boy that does not mind a challenge."
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-10/" title="Latest Man Utd news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
The Verdict: Would be perfect
Whoever manages to sign Rice this summer will be getting an outstanding footballer with a huge future, with William Gallas saying the England international 'can become world-class' and Jack Wilshere claiming the London Stadium favourite is already the world's best in his position.
And there has indeed been talk of a plummeting price tag as his contract ticks down, with £70m the fee named by The Telegraph after Moyes claimed last year it would take over £100m.
While Casemiro is currently mastering the No.6 role at United, he turns 31 this year and is not a long-term signing, whereas the West Ham man would be exactly that.
He is a dominant presence in all facets of his game, making 2.2 interceptions per game and averaging a 94.3% pass completion rate at the 2022 World Cup, and he could even be a future United and England captain.