Manchester United are leading the race to sign Declan Rice, it's been claimed.
The West Ham ace, 23, is one of the most sought after midfielders in the Premier League after establishing himself in the England side, picking up 27 caps to date. He also won three senior caps for the Republic of Ireland before changing his international allegiance.
Rice was part of the England team that reached the final of Euro 2020 and has made 183 appearances for West Ham's senior team since making his debut in May 2017. He was released by Chelsea in 2014 before joining the Hammers' academy.
United have been linked with Rice since last summer and are believed to be leading the race for his signature. But, according to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils will need to offer at least £150million to lure him away from the London Stadium.
United's record purchase remains Paul Pogba, who re-joined the Manchester club from Juventus in August 2016 for a world-record £89m. They've since splashed out £80m on Harry Maguire, £73m on Jadon Sancho and £75m on Romelu Lukaku.
Paris Saint-Germain smashed the world record transfer fee in August 2017 when they signed Neymar from Barcelona for £200m. Jack Grealish is Britain's most expensive footballer following his £100m move from Aston Villa to Manchester City last summer.
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Chelsea are also believed to be in the hunt for Rice, although they are unable to sign players due to the sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich. Several parties want to buy the club, yet it remains unclear when a deal will be completed and what kind of financial position the club will then be in.
Rice still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his existing deal. Speaking in February, West Ham manager David Moyes suggested the club would not accept a £100m bid for Rice. "You’ll need humongous money to get close," said Moyes.
"I said in the summer that I thought Declan Rice was £100m. That was the sales, that was cheap, that was your chance to get Declan Rice cheap. He’s like a special edition. For me, he’s probably the best midfield player in Europe. He's here for certainly a few years."
Writing in his Daily Star column, Arsenal legend Paul Merson urged Rice to leave West Ham. "I'd be surprised if Declan Rice is playing for West Ham next season," insisted Merson. "They have completely punched above their weight for months. Where could he go?
"Depends what happens at Chelsea and who buys the club. Manchester United would be a good move, but will they get in the Champions League? That's where Rice wants to play."
