Erik ten Hag has told Manchester United to make Declan Rice the club’s ‘number one’ transfer target this summer.
Ten Hag is a long-term admirer of the West Ham captain, who is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer having turned down the offer of a new contract with the Hammers.
West Ham are reportedly prepared to allow Rice to leave should a side meet their valuation of the midfielder, who David Moyes claimed was worth a British transfer record fee earlier this season.
According to The Sun, United are ready to rival Arsenal in the race to sign Rice with Ten Hag having been left ‘in awe’ by the 24-year-old’s performance in West Ham’s 1-0 win over the Red Devils last weekend.
Rice was the standout performer as West Ham earned a crucial win and has enjoyed another excellent campaign with the Hammers. He leads the Premier League for interceptions (62) and possession won (321) this season and ranks fourth for carries (522) and sixth for tackles (78).
United are now keen to add Rice to their midfield options as Ten Hag looks to build a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title next season. Sky Sports reported this week that West Ham will allow Rice to leave if the club receive an offer of £120m from a Champions League club.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle have also been credited with interest in signing the England international.
