According to ESPN, Manchester United are emerging as the favourites to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice. 

The lowdown: Rice a wanted man

The 23-year-old has quickly become one of the hottest properties in European football following a rapid rise to prominence for both club and country.

Having left the acclaimed Chelsea academy to join West Ham in 2013, Rice has become an established member of David Moyes' side, and also for Gareth Southgate at international level following a switch of allegiances from the Republic of Ireland.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news/" title="Latest Man Utd news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

With interest previously mooted from Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool, a fresh update has suggested that Old Trafford could be the most likely destination for the midfielder...

The latest: United frontrunners to sign Rice

As per ESPN sources, the Red Devils could have a 'clear run' at the 29-cap England star this summer.

The report states that United want Rice to become a 'modern-day version' of Paul Ince and will look to snap up the enforcer at the end of the season.

It's also claimed that incoming manager Erik ten Hag will view the man likened to United legend Roy Keane by Stuart Pearce - who also called the 23-year-old "dynamic" - as a 'statement signing' as the Dutchman attempts to stamp his authority on the Premier League.

The verdict: No brainer

With United set to wave goodbye to Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, there are certainly spaces to be filled in the Old Trafford squad.

Despite a lofty £150m price tag handed down by Moyes, Rice could be worth the investment in the long run owing to his tender years and already top-class productivity.

So far this season, the powerful midfielder has earned an outstanding 7.17 average Sofascore rating whilst boasting a 92% passing accuracy and winning five duels and 2.1 tackles per game in the Premier League.

Therefore, it seems a no-brainer for United to try and bring him to Old Trafford, particularly if they are now in such a dominant position to win the race for his services.

In other news: Spanish source makes La Liga transfer raid claim…find out more here