Rumour Has It: Manchester United step up Rice pursuit

Declan Rice has long since been linked with a move to Manchester United and the Red Devils’ pursuit is reportedly set to step up a notch.

England midfielder Rice is a man seemingly in demand, even though suitors will likely have to stump up a minimum of £100million to land him.

With Manchester City and Chelsea also said to be interested, United are aiming to be at the front of the queue for his signature.

TOP STORY – RICE A MAN IN DEMAND

Manchester United are likely to wait until a permanent manager is in place to make their moves in the market, with Ralf Rangnick remaining in charge on a temporary basis until the end of the campaign.

But the Mirror reports that Rice remains high on their list of priorities with United aiming to overhaul their midfield ahead of next season.

Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips and RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara are apparently also high on United’s shortlist of targets.

Man Utd pursuing Declan Rice as part of midfield ‘overhaul’ regardless of latest transfer admission https://t.co/Tcvj6Y6Xgl pic.twitter.com/sAO2PS9g5u

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) February 4, 2022

ROUND-UP

– The Red Devils are set to be busy in the close-season with Barcelona‘s highly rated centre-back Ronald Araujo on their radar, according to the Mirror. The defender, who is entering the final 18 months of his contract, is thought to be attracting interest from Manchester City too.

– Aston Villa right-back Matty Cash has emerged as a transfer target for LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano. Atleti allowed Kieran Trippier to join Newcastle United in January.

– The Sun reported that Arsenal are set to complete a triple swoop for Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad and Wolves’ Ruben Neves in the next transfer window.

– Lille centre-back Sven Botman is still high on Newcastle United‘s radar despite a deal not being able to be struck during the last window, says the Athletic.

– Victor Osimhen remains a top target for Tottenham, writes Football Insider. Spurs will need to stump up around £60m to land the Napoli striker.