As per recent reports going on in the media, Manchester United have been linked with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
Last month, The Sun reported that the Red Devils are looking to sign the England international from the Hammers.
Now, The Irish Independent have reported that Manchester United are ready to break the bank for the former Irish international. It is further mentioned that West Ham officials are braced for a bid for the 20-year-old starlet and the club could demand a fee in excess of £50million for their prized asset.
Transfer: Man Utd duo could leave Old Trafford in the summer
Rice featured for Ireland’s U-19 and U-21 teams before making his senior international debut for the country last year. However, he switched allegiance to England this year and then made his debut for the Three Lions last month.
So, I do not think that he will have any problem in leaving his boyhood team for a much bigger club.
Opinion:
The versatile youngster can play in multiple defensive positions but naturally, he is a defensive midfielder. At the moment, Nemanja Matic is United’s first choice holding midfielder.
The Serbian international is still a top play-breaker but he will turn 31 in a few months and in my opinion, he is past his best and the Old Trafford club must lure a quality replacement.
So far, in all competitions, Rice has made 65 senior appearances for the Hammers and I think, he is too inexperienced to become United’s chief defensive midfielder.
In the summer transfer window, Liverpool signed a top class DM by luring Fabinho from Monaco for just £43.7million (Sky Sports News) and the Brazilian international has proved to be brilliant for the Reds.
Therefore, if United are looking to spend £50million to lure a holding midfield star then they must sign a proven quality player and Rice does not fit the bill.
I am whole-heartedly in agreement with you. I think and believe that United needs a commanding presence, robust and box to box midfielder like Indombele, Rodrigo,Doucoure or Rabiot.
Watched him play against Chelsea last night. Both Rice and Hudson-Odoi are in Man U’s sights but neither impressed me in the slightest. I know they are young and may have some potential hidden quality but at this time the club needs immediate, proven ability.
My estimation…. leave them out of the equation.
Why is Man.Utd withdrawing buying players after almost sealing the deal. They could have strengthen their squad as quick as they could in order to try and aim for their top most on the table. They are letting their chances slip away.