Manchester United are 'divided' about whether to make a move for Declan Rice this summer as the recruitment staff have failed to come to a firm decision on the transfer.
Rice, 24, could leave West Ham in the summer and has already been linked with a switch to Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and the Red Devils. However, the Hammers are keen to keep hold of their most prized asset despite him having just one year left on his contract.
The England international hasn't yet signed a new deal at the London Stadium and is being valued at around £100million, which would fall just below the British record transfer. United are the reported frontrunners for Rice's signature, alongside Bayern and Arsenal.
But according to The Athletic, United are unsure about whether they should try and sign the midfielder due to West Ham's stance that he is not for sale. The Red Devils are keeping 'abreast' of Rice's situation going into the summer, but the fee quoted by West Ham may further put them off.
Erik ten Hag also has bigger priorities to fill, including signing a new centre forward. The Dutchman has previously mentioned his desire to bring in a striker this summer with Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Højlund amongst those linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford.
Speaking in April, Ten Hag said: Yeah, I think everyone knows, it’s not a secret. Over the whole season, we had a shortage of No. 9s. First we had the dropout of [Cristiano] Ronaldo, then Anthony Martial was often not available, Jadon Sancho was often not available, then you have a shortage of frontline players. With less players we have to cover many games, so definitely we need the frontline players who strengthen the squad."
"You can approach that from many ways," he added. "The typical No. 9, Rashford can also play very good as a No. 9 and Anthony Martial is a great No. 9. We have players who can play in that role but definitely we need some offensive players who are really impact players, quality players, who improve the frontline."
United have also been linked with Chelsea's Mason Mount. Arsenal and Liverpool have been tipped to sign Mount, who has one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, and might be available for around £55million.
Chelsea need to sell to pave the way for new players after spending almost £600m in the past 12 months and Mount is one they are wiling to get off their wage bill. A report from the Sun also claimed that Ten Hag may be willing to let Harry Maguire leave in a player-plus-cash transfer.
