Declan Rice enquiring about Man Utd transfer may have knock-on effect for three deals

England: Declan Rice and Ben Chilwell show skills in training

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West Ham star Declan Rice has seemingly hinted at an interest in joining Manchester United this summer and that may well create a domino effect on a number of other deals when the transfer window opens. Rice was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea at the start of the season with Frank Lampard recently admitting that he wanted to sign the England international.

The Hammers made it abundantly clear that it would take a huge sum to try and prise Rice away from the club though with Chelsea opting against making a bid.

Rice has since gone on to pivotal role in what has been a sensational season for West Ham.

The 22-year-old has taken over the regular captaincy role with Mark Noble dropping to the bench.

And he’s overseen the club’s unpredicted charge for a Champions League qualification spot.

West Ham currently sit fourth in the table and just one point behind Leicester in third after picking up all three points against Brendan Rodgers’ side last weekend.

Liverpool and Chelsea are in close proximity though with the battle for a top-four spot unlikely to be decided until the final game of the season.

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Rice has seen his stock rise even more than it was last season with David Moyes repeatedly stating that any bid will have to exceed £100million.

And while West Ham may well qualify for the Champions League next season, Rice appears to be looking at his options ahead of the summer.

The Manchester Evening News report that Rice recently spoke with Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw about the prospect of joining United.

It is claimed that United scouts have been tracking Rice ever since he began playing regularly as a defensive midfielder back in 2018.

But even if West Ham don’t qualify for Europe’s elite competition, they still have a strong negotiating position in regards to Rice as he still has three years remaining on his current contract.

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Should United push forward with a move to sign Rice, that will almost certainly mean Jesse Lingard makes a permanent switch to the London Stadium.

Lingard has arguably been the best player in the Premier League since joining West Ham on loan in January, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in just nine league games.

And his departure from Old Trafford looks even more likely should United look to try and sign Rice.

The Red Devils supposedly want Rice to play in midfield should he join, meaning a new partner for Harry Maguire will also be targeted.

Raphael Varane has been touted as a top target, but United may well have to look at cheaper options considering the price it would cost to sign Rice.

United need to sell before they buy and while Lingard’s potential move to West Ham may offset the price to sign David Moyes’ prized asset, more outgoings will be needed.

The biggest question mark at United should Rice sign would be over Paul Pogba’s head.

While the France international has found a new role further forward under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, playing out wide on a regular basis, Mino Raiola has indicated that his client wants a new challenge.

And Pogba’s sale may well be the best way for United to recoup funds for their top targets in the summer, including Rice.

Real Madrid and Juventus are supposedly keen on signing Pogba, who will have just one year on his contract.

For United, signing Rice may well be their new priority but it will come with some consequences on their current squad and other transfer targets.

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