Taking to Twitter, Manchester United journalist Samuel Luckhurst has made a transfer claim involving West Ham United star Declan Rice.

Over the summer, exit links surrounded the Irons favourite after news emerged of two rejected offers of a new deal at West Ham.

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Indeed, reliable outlets like The Evening Standard and The Guardian reported of Rice's refusal to pen fresh terms at Rush Green, with the England star also wanting to be informed of any bids for him.

Alas, a move away during the most recent window eventually came to nothing, but there is heavy interest in a move next year from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United (90min).

The Latest: Journalist makes firm Rice claim...

Taking to social media and sharing his article for Manchester Evening News, Luckhurst has made a firm claim involving Rice and the Red Devils.

He believes that an Old Trafford swoop for the 22-year-old is 'inevitable' next year and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have settled on him as their prime midfield target.

"#mufc have settled on Declan Rice as their prime midfield target," he explained, adding: "Midfield move inevitable next year."

In his article, Luckhurst also explains that Manchester United chiefs have already discussed the possible frameworks of a deal to bring Rice to Old Trafford next summer.

The Verdict: West Ham braced?

It is also believed that Rice is still unlikely to pen a new deal as it stands (Manchester Evening News), so next summer will certainly be an interesting but nervy time for Irons supporters.

Arguably the last thing they want is to face the prospect of losing a real fan favourite and one of manager David Moyes' key players.

After a sensational Euro 2020 tournament with England, one which prompted former Three Lions boss Fabio Capello to call him 'phenomenal', the 22-year-old has only continued his fine form at club level. Averaging a quite brilliant 94.9% pass accuracy in midfield so far in the Premier League, Rice also tops West Ham's charts in terms of interceptions, making a robust 2.3 per game (WhoScored).

Taking this into account, it's little wonder that Manchester United have earmarked him as a number one target and will likely swoop next year.

In other news: Agent lifts lid on West Ham interest in 63-goal striker, makes deadline day claim...find out more here.