Man Utd ‘putting together’ £100m Declan Rice bid after Ralf Rangnick gives his approval
Ralf Rangnick praises reaction of Man Utd after Burnley win
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Manchester United hope West Ham United’s December form will be a significant catalyst towards securing the summer signing of Declan Rice per reports and Ralf Rangnick has given his thumbs up to a deal. Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s early dismissal this season, the Red Devils still look set to press forward with their long-standing interest in Rice this summer.
West Ham started the season brilliantly and joined Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea in the Premier League top four.
However, in December, only two wins in eight games in all competitions saw them slip out of the Champions League spots and exit the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
Back-to-back victories against Watford and Crystal Palace have gotten them back on track heading into 2022.
But it’s clear David Moyes’ side face serious competition for a place among Europe’s elite next term, including from United.
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And the Old Trafford club could be preparing to pounce on West Ham’s potential failure to reach the next level and qualify for the Champions League.
According to The Sun, interim manager Rangnick has welcomed the idea of maintaining Rice as a top summer transfer target.
For that reason, United are ready to do the immediate groundwork with the view of tabling a bid at the end of the season.
They want Rice to be the ‘centrepiece’ of the team but understand West Ham will hold firm on their £100million valuation.
United might also have to fend off interest from title challengers Chelsea and Man City if they are to secure the 22-year-old’s services.
Of course, West Ham could qualify for the Champions League, either through the Premier League or by winning the Europa League.
And by doing so, they would match Rice’s lofty ambitions to spring his promising career to the next level.
But if the Hammers’ dire December form returns in the second half of the season, their position to keep hold of the England international significantly worsens.
United, seventh, currently trail Moyes’ men by three points in the table but have two games in hand.
If they win both, they will jump above West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal to fourth, just five points behind second-placed Chelsea.
Wolves travel to Old Trafford on Monday and will offer a tough challenge for Rangnick to navigate around, despite not playing since December 19 due to Covid postponements.
Bruno Lage’s men are breathing down United’s neck in eighth though and will look to delay their push for a top-four spot.
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