Manchester United's search for a new midfielder is no kept secret. The Red Devils are on the brink of securing a top-four finish, needing only a point at home to Chelsea on Thursday to achieve this, but will need reinforcements over the summer if they are to go far in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League next season.
The club's interest in Chelsea ace Mason Mount was revealed by the Daily Mail, with that same British news outlet now claiming that Ten Hag's side have entered the race for another highly-rated Englishman. That man is Declan Rice, the West Ham captain who appears destined to spark a bidding war this summer ahead of his inevitable transfer.
The 24-year-old is set to leave the Hammers this season, having already revealed his desire to play in the UEFA Champions League during a press conference at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, his destination remains unclear as he is a player in high demand, with the Red Devils now throwing their hat in the ring.
According to the report, Ten Hag believes Rice would add steel and energy to his midfield. Additionally, the prospect of reuniting with Mount, his childhood friend from their time together at the Chelsea youth academy, could be attractive to Declan.
However, Manchester United will have to fend off interest from Arsenal and Chelsea if they are to win this race. The Gunners are said to be the favorites as of now as their interest in the midfielder is a long-standing one. The North London giants are ready to start talks over a $111M bid but that valuation falls below what West Ham want.
Additionally, with Manchester United entering the mix, the Hammers will likely raise their asking price in order to spark a bidding war, which could hurt Arsenal the most. Chelsea are also interested and aren't shy of going all out for a target. However, Rice wishes to play in the UEFA Champions League and the Blues have no European football to offer next term, which puts them at a disadvantage.
Meanwhile, Man City and Liverpool have been credited with interest in the 24-year-old, albeit loosely. If any of those two clubs were to enter the race, then that would complicate things even further.
Arsenal are best placed to sign the Englishman but the club have missed out on key targets to Premier League rivals before, namely Lisandro Martinez, who joined Manchester United, and Mykhailo Mudryk, who ended up at Stamford Bridge. Only time will tell if the Gunners will win this battle or suffer another heartbreak.
