Declan Rice is someone that Manchester United have been heavily linked with for quite some time now. The 22-year-old West Ham United star has already developed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and has also established himself in the England national team. Thus, interest in his signature from the Red Devils is not surprising. In fact, Chelsea are also believed to be interested in signing him.
If there is one area on the pitch that Manchester United are a bit light on options right now, it is defensive midfield. Nemanja Matic is the most natural defensive midfielder at the club right now and at 33 years of age, he is not a long-term solution.
Thus, someone like Rice could prove to be a terrific addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. And as reported by Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have earmarked Rice as their principal midfield target for the next summer transfer window.
But as reported by ESPN last month, the club’s scouts have been told to identify alternative defensive midfield options to Rice amid concerns over West Ham United’s valuation of the English international. Opinions within Old Trafford are also divided regarding his ability to significantly improve the current team.
Will Manchester United make a move for Rice next summer?
There is no doubt about the fact that Rice would be a solid addition for Manchester United. He has already shown that he can get it done in the Premier League and is impressing in the Europa League as well.
But it appears that there are some doubts with regards to how much he would improve Solskjaer’s team as well as concerns about the transfer fee it might require to bring him to Old Trafford.
Thus, there appears to be a long way to go in this transfer saga. Of course, Chelsea’s interest in bringing back their former youth player needs to be pointed out as well.