The West Ham United midfielder has been linked with a move to Chelsea lately.
Manchester United are reportedly back in the transfer race for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, whom Chelsea are also pondering over a summer move. The Blues are understood to be monitoring the 21-year-old ahead of the potential summer move, with Frank Lampard planning to use the former one in the defence – seeing him as a successor to the club legend John Terry. Even the former Three Lions international Matthew Upson has opined that the Hammers midfielder would be a perfect fit for the Blues. (h/t Metro)
‘The characteristics we talk about regarding John Terry — his instincts, communication, leadership — that is Declan Rice. He ticks the boxes. ‘I worked a lot with Declan when I was with West Ham Under-23s. He is a fantastic communicator, he is very mature for his age, has leadership mentality and personality.
Man Utd are now planning to go toe to toe with the Blues for the signing of Rice, who will cost around £45m. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to add another promising star to what it already looks like a stacked midfield.
Ironically, Rice has been one of the consistent performers in the inconsistent West Ham side for the past few seasons. Switching his allegiance to England, Rice has earned seven international caps thus far under Gareth Southgate while making his debut last year – a testimony to his success despite representing an underperforming side like West Ham. And a move to a big club would maximise his chances to retain his spot in the national team.
The Red Devils are already having an array of midfielders at their disposal, thus raising the question on whether to sign Rice. While Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes remain indisputable at the moment, Rice would be an upgrade over Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic, especially the latter one. However, the Serbian has been surprisingly brilliant for the Red Devils since the return of Premier League, which even made him sign a new contract. Nonetheless, Rice would be a good addition, who could brilliantly function as one of the pivots – the current role of Matic – alongside Paul Pogba. The former Irish youngster is one of the best defensive midfielders – inside the top four bracket – in the English top-flight at the moment, and United certainly would have a promising player at their disposal if they are ready to spend big on the Hammers star.
United are entirely looking like a dominant side since the return of football as they are inching closer towards to seal a place in the top four of the table. One of the highlights has been the fearsome midfield trio of Matic, Pogba and Fernandes – also Mason Greenwood.
