According to a recent report by the Irish Independent, Manchester United are prepared to pay top money to secure the signature of Declan Rice from West Ham United next summer. The same source has revealed that the Hammers will likely demand a fee over £50m for the services of the England international at the end of this campaign.
Rice’s Rise To The Top
Rice came through Chelsea’s youth academy before sealing a switch to West Ham in the summer of 2013. He has worked his way up the club’s youth ranks and has finally established himself as a regular first-team starter under Manuel Pellegrini’s tutelage this season.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season with the East London outfit having featured in a total of 33 matches for them this term, scoring two goals while grabbing one assist in all competitions. More importantly, Rice has made an average of 2.9 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per match which goes to show how well he has performed for the Hammers in the defensive midfield position (Stats via Whoscored).
His commanding displays on the pitch caught the attention of Gareth Southgate who decided to give him two international caps for England in the recent past. If he can continue improving his game on the pitch, then there is no doubt that Rice will play a major role for the Three Lions in the coming years.
What Does Rice Offer On The Pitch?
Rice has a high football IQ and can read the game well which helps him make some important interceptions for his side. He is also a very capable defender at the back even though Pellegrini fancies playing him in a deep-lying defensive midfield role.
The addition of a player of Rice’s incredible potential will undoubtedly bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s defensive options at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have sometimes lacked a bit of bite in their midfield as Nemanja Matic has struggled to find consistency with his performances on the pitch. Hence, Rice will provide some much-needed competition for the Serbian international and could also be an option to play alongside Matic if Man United are looking to keep things tight defensively in the matches against other high-profile clubs next season.
Good Move For The Red Devils?
All in all, it will be a brilliant move for the Reds of Manchester if they can find a way to lure the English midfielder to the Theatre of Dreams ahead of the new campaign.
