Manchester United suffer Declan Rice transfer blow

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates at full time during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park on January 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates at full time during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park on January 01, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester United will need to strengthen their midfield in the near future. The Red Devils were expected to make an addition there last summer but quite surprisingly, did not end up doing so. And then, they decided to stick with their options in January as well. But sooner or later, that will have to change, especially with a new permanent manager looking set to be brought in next summer.

On top of the fact that they already have their problems in the middle of the park, the futures of Paul Pogba, Donny van Beek and Nemanja Matic appear to be up in the air.

Thus, Manchester United could definitely do with another option in midfield and one player that they have been heavily linked with is West Ham United’s Declan Rice, who has been a standout for both club and country in recent times.

Many expect Rice to leave West Ham United next summer but it looks like he might be looking to remain close to home. Speaking with Gary Neville on The Overlap and as reported by The Sun, while strolling in Kingston, South West London, the midfielder said:

"“Yeah, I’m here all the time.“I’ve always wanted to stay close to this place, I feel like I don’t want to lose my roots.”"

He made no secret about growing up a Chelsea fan either:

"“Yeah, growing up the whole family was Chelsea.“I feel like it’s out there – everyone knows, it’s well documented.”"

Manchester United handed potential Rice transfer blow

Along with Manchester United and Manchester City, rumours have suggested that Chelsea are interested in bringing Rice back to Stamford Bridge, after letting him go as a youth player.

Of course, at this point of time, Rice would be a terrific signing for most clubs in the world. He is without doubt one of the best midfielders in the Premier League right now. He is also a regular for the England national team. And still just 23 years of age, he would be expected to get better moving forward.

Now, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the West Ham United star, who still has a few years left on his current deal.