Transfer Headache: Manchester United Split Over Declan Rice Move

Reports indicate that Manchester United’s recruitment team is split on whether to pursue West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Rice, who is 24 years old, is expected to leave the London Stadium for Champions League football before his contract with West Ham enters its final year.

While West Ham has previously insisted that Rice is not for sale, manager David Moyes has now admitted that there is a “good chance” the club will lose the England international.

Despite the possibility of Rice leaving on a free transfer in 2024, West Ham is reportedly holding out for a fee of £100 million to allow his departure in the coming weeks.

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Several clubs have been linked with a move for Rice ahead of the 2023-24 season, including Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United. However, Arsenal is believed to be leading the race for his signature. West Ham expects Manchester United to meet their asking price before Arsenal, whose initial offer, scheduled to be tabled after Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final, is expected to fall short.

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Although Manchester United is also focusing on acquisitions in the attacking and defensive areas, The Athletic reports that the club’s staff have not unanimously decided whether to pursue Rice. West Ham’s previous stance on a sale has raised doubts within Manchester United, and there is no indication of a change in the recruitment team’s opinion.

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Factors such as West Ham’s £100 million asking price and Erik Ten Hag’s demand for a new striker and goalkeeper influence Manchester United’s decision-making process. Nevertheless, they will closely monitor the developments regarding Rice’s future. Despite reports that Rice has agreed to personal terms with Arsenal, the Gunners are waiting until after West Ham’s continental final with Fiorentina before making their move. Bayern Munich remains a potential contender.

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Declan Rice left Chelsea’s academy ten years ago to join West Ham’s youth ranks. Since then, he has scored 15 goals and provided 13 assists in 244 matches across all competitions for the Hammers. Rice has contributed five goals and four assists in 49 appearances in the current campaign. However, he has reportedly rejected three contract offers from West Ham, adding uncertainty to his future at the club.

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Manchester United strengthened their midfield last summer with the signings of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, while Marcel Sabitzer had a mixed loan spell from Bayern Munich. Sabitzer is not expected to join Manchester United permanently, and there are doubts surrounding the futures of Fred and Scott McTominay, both of whom fell down the pecking order this season.

As a potentially cheaper alternative to Rice, Manchester United is rumored to be considering a £50 million offer for Chelsea’s Mason Mount, whose contract expires in 2024.