Manchester United have reportedly thrown their name into the hat to pursue the services of Declan Rice from West Ham United. The Republic of Ireland international has declined to sign a new contract with the Hammers since the season started and this has spread speculation over his future with his current deal concluding at the end of the campaign.
As a result, United seem interested in pursuing the former Chelsea youth graduate, though it remains to be seen whether they would fancy a bidding battle when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year. The 19-year-old has most recently turned down a £15,000-a-week contract with the Hammers in an attempt to secure a bumper deal and it appears more and more likely that the club may consider his sale in less than two months’ time.
Meanwhile, United boss Jose Mourinho is seemingly desperate for a new central defender after the club’s failure to pursue one during the summer but reports have indicated that the hierarchy may not back the Portuguese in terms of transfer funds after the recent disappointments with the signings made under the manager’s guidance.
Despite this, reports elsewhere have suggested that the Portuguese may consider offloading some of the existing players to recoup funds and the likes of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, and Marcos Rojo have been highlighted among those who could be shown the exit door when the transfer window reopens this winter.