Manchester United could make move for £90m West Ham lynchpin

 

Manchester United have been tipped to sign Declan Rice for upwards of £90m in the New Year, according to former Leeds and Coventry midfielder Noel Whelan. 

 

United were heavily linked with a move for the England international last summer, but West Ham were adamant that they wouldn’t cash in on one of their prized assets. 

 

Rice has made a bright start to the season with the Hammers and is now one of the first names on Gareth Southgate’s England teamsheet. 

 

And 44-year-old Whelan, who is a big fan of the 20-year-old, believes Rice could make a Premier League record move to Old Trafford in January. 

 

“West Ham have got a really special player on their hands. They will struggle to hold on to him, because the big clubs will be hot on his trail,” Whelan is quoted as saying by the Express. 

 

“I think Declan Rice could be the next player who goes for a Premier League record fee. We have just seen Harry Maguire go for £80million and I wouldn’t be surprised if Rice goes for more than that, above £90million, even. 

 

“He’s young, English, hugely talented and is such a long way from his peak. You look at a team like Man United, who need a midfield anchorman and you can see it happening. 

 

“They don’t mind paying over the odds for a player, as we saw in the summer. I could see them looking to get Rice in January.” 

 

 

Only Aaron Wan-Bissaka (26) has made more tackles than Rice (14) of players aged 21 and under in Europe’s top five leagues this season.