Man Utd confident of signing West Ham Star ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea

Declan Rice is the main summer target for Erik ten Hag of Manchester United, who is optimistic that he can persuade the West Ham midfielder to reject offers from Chelsea and Arsenal in favor of a move to Old Trafford.

Although Rice’s next club is far from clear, West Ham has privately accepted that they will have to trade him this summer. A number of Premier League opponents are vying for his services.

As Mikel Arteta attempts to expand his options in the middle of the field ahead of the Gunners’ return to the Champions League, Rice was reportedly the favorite to go to north London earlier this year.

Chelsea is interested in re-signing a guy they waived as a teenager so they can team him up with Enzo Fernandez, the most expensive signing in Premier League history, to form a fearsome midfield pair.

However, Manchester United is also involved in the race, and according to The Sun, Ten Hag has made Rice his priority target following the team’s loss to West Ham on Sunday.

The Hammers skipper has been linked to United for the better part of two years, but Ten Hag was reportedly particularly impressed by his performance at the weekend’s London Stadium match.

It is also alleged that Manchester United are unconcerned by the level of interest in Rice and think they can persuade him to choose them over Chelsea and Arsenal.

Rice won’t be cheap, though; West Ham values the 24-year-old at an astounding £120 million. The Hammers may also ask for £100 million and a player in exchange for the midfielder.

West Ham had earlier this season flirted with relegation, but their 1-0 win over United puts them seven points above the relegation zone going into their Europa Conference League semifinal matchup against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

The Hammers boss David Moyes said: ‘It’s a huge step. Getting three points is huge against whoever – but against Manchester United was massive for us.

‘It’s a great result going into a European semi-final and we’ll take a lot of confidence from it. We have another big challenge and we are looking forward to it.’

On Rice’s impressive performance against Manchester United, Moyes added: ‘He was outstanding. He’s great across the ground, very quick. I’m pleased, but not surprised.

‘That’s why he’s probably the best England midfield player around – and he’s going to be extremely expensive if anyone comes in for him.’