Man Utd have enquired about Declan Rice but will face a transfer battle with rivals City if West Ham cash in on star

MANCHESTER UNITED have contacted West Ham about a possible deal for Declan Rice. United showed an interest in the midfielder last season after he shone in the Premier League and forced his way into the England squad. But they have returned to ask about his availability as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ramps up his rebuilding plans […]

MANCHESTER UNITED have contacted West Ham about a possible deal for Declan Rice.

United showed an interest in the midfielder last season after he shone in the Premier League and forced his way into the England squad.

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But they have returned to ask about his availability as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ramps up his rebuilding plans ahead of the start of pre-season training.

West Ham are desperate to keep hold of the highly-rated 20-year-old who has been a revelation since switching from defence into a holding midfielder role.

They told United that Rice was not for sale, although it is thought that should an offer of around £80million come in then they may decide to do business.

Rice’s valuation has more than trebled over the past 12 months after he established himself as one of the top holding midfielders in the Premier League.

With age on his side there is a belief he will go on to become a fixture in the national team.

Gareth Southgate fast-tracked him into his squad having won the battle with the Republic of Ireland over his international status.

United are looking to build a new squad full of commitment and quality, and with the potential to begin challenging for the top honours in the coming years.

HANDS-OFF

Former Chelsea schoolboy Rice fits perfectly into that category – and is the type of midfielder United are looking for after Ander Herrera left at the end of the season.

That need will become even greater if United are forced into selling Paul Pogba this summer – especially after the star admitted he wants a new challenge away from Old Trafford.

United have not been put off by the hands-off message they got from the Hammers, although they would baulk at meeting their valuation.

Instead they would be open to doing business around £50m for a player who has been tracked by Manchester City for the past year.

And if there was any indication West Ham were prepared to listen to offers, City are likely to enter the bidding after Pep Guardiola ordered extensive scouting of the midfielder.

Guardiola knows Fernandinho is approaching the latter stages of his career and is looking for a replacement to fill the crucial role at the base of the City midfield.

United are making a separate attempt to raid the Hammers for centre-back Issa Diop, with a £45m plus player bid being knocked back by the London club.