could potentially have the upper hand in the race to sign with the Red Devils prepared to offer players in part-exchange, according to reports.
The skipper looks set to be at the centre of this summer’s biggest transfer tug-of-war, with Arsenal, United, and Bayern Munich all interested in signing the midfielder.
After narrowly falling short of winning the Premier League title, Arsenal appear to be favourites for Rice’s signature and will accelerate talks after next week’s Europa Conference League final.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel, meanwhile, is reported to have spoken to Rice over the phone and tried to convince him to move to Bavaria, though the England international – who is happy and settled in London – .
Erik ten Hag is also keen to bolster his midfield this summer and is an admirer of Rice, with reporting that he is prepared to sacrifice players in order to land the 24-year-old.
United are looking to make a number of big signings in the coming weeks and have with Chelsea contract rebel Mason Mount, who could command a fee of as much as £75million.
Ten Hag also wants a new frontman and while United may be priced out of a move for Tottenham’s Harry Kane, they are also in the shape of Atalanta youngster Rasmus Hojlund and Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.
With a new goalkeeper and centre-back also on their wish list, United would not be able to stump up the £100million fee West Ham are looking to exact for Rice.
However, United are considering using players in part-exchange to tempt the east Londoners into selling and could use Scott McTominay as a potential makeweight.
The Scotland international, who made 24 appearances in the Premier League this past season, is thought to be highly rated by compatriot David Moyes and could be an ideal replacement for Rice.
West Ham have also been linked with a move for Harry Maguire in the past and the Red Devils are prepared to to get him to leave the club.
Both players would suit Moyes’ West Ham team and could significantly lower the cash sum required to land Rice, also allowing United to kill two birds with one stone by offloading two players who are surplus to requirements.
Another potential factor in United’s favour is their move for Mount, with Rice potentially attracted to the idea of linking up with his best friend at Old Trafford and playing together for both club and country.
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