TalkSport pundit Simon Jordan has a “sneaking suspicion” Manchester United can sign Declan Rice in the summer.

The Lowdown: Rice on the move

The West Ham United midfielder is almost assured to be on the move in the summer amid the Hammers’ dire form and The Guardian reporting last month that he wants to win trophies and play in the Champions League.

Any hopes of keeping him in east London were dealt another blow this week after The Athletic revealed Premier League leaders Arsenal are confident they can reach a deal for the '£80m-rated' midfielder.

The Latest: Jordan’s feeling

Speaking on TalkSport, Jordan revealed his feeling that Arsenal’s interest won't go untested and that Erik ten Hag could be able to add Rice if United’s season continues to strengthen.

He said: “I’ve just got a sneaking suspicion - and I don’t think he’ll end up at Arsenal. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that if Manchester United continue to progress and can knock on the door of something significant this season... he could occupy a quarterback role at Manchester United.

“I think we’re now talking about levels of between £70m and £80m, and that will make a deal happen.”

The Verdict: How would he fit?

Rice, who has been labelled a 'monster' during his time at West Ham, is undoubtedly a quality player who has shown through his performances in Europe - as he international level, where he now has plenty of tournament experience, that he’s ready to mix it at the top on a regular basis.

Despite the public interest from Arsenal, The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg revealed that United are also in the running for Rice and have “laid some of the groundwork for a summer move”.

However, it remains to be seen where the 24-year-old would fit into Ten Hag’s setup, with the holding midfield role currently occupied by Casemiro, whilst it seems a more attacking pairing of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes is how the Dutchman wants to operate.

Rice doesn’t possess the same attacking and creative prowess of the most expendable of the midfield pair based on minutes, with Eriksen outperforming the Englishman in every goal and shot-creation metric this season on FBref, barring fouls drawn and defensive actions leading to shots - which can be explained by his deeper role.

Given Casemiro has only just arrived and made himself at home, we feel a move now doesn’t seem it would get the best out of Rice in the current setup, with his preferred role occupied by the Brazilian.