Man Utd set to make Declan Rice transfer bid when window opens and test West Ham’s resolve amid Chelsea interest

MANCHESTER UNITED will look to pip rivals Chelsea to the signing of Declan Rice, according to reports.

The West Ham ace is hot property following yet another brilliant season in East London.

Chelsea were desperate to land him last summer under ex-boss Frank Lampard but refused to match his £70million asking price.

Despite replacing Lampard with Thomas Tuchel in January, the German boss is still open to the idea of bringing Rice back to his former club.

Reports claim he has instructed Chelsea’s transfer guru Marina Granovskaia to make an inquiry.

But the Standard write how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to swoop from under the noses of the Blues.

The Norwegian is ready to splash the cash this summer after Europa League final defeat to Villarreal meant it is now four years since their last silverware.

After leaving Gdansk empty-handed, Solskjaer said: “Two or three players to strengthen the starting XI is important for us to go even further.

“I’m sure our contenders, challengers will also want to improve as well.”

A midfielder remains on Solskjaer’s priority list as he looks to bolster the core of his side.

Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata’s expected departures are also likely to leave United short of options in the middle.

It is understood Rice will not push for a move from West Ham and is expected to cost around £100m.

And United may have to convince Rice to turn down Chelsea for United.

Rice, who is best mates with Mason Mount, spent eight years as a schoolboy at Chelsea before moving to West Ham in 2014.

United could use Jesse Lingard to help sweeten the deal.

The England international has spent the last six months on loan with West Ham and has become an integral member of the side under Moyes.

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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk