Declan Rice, a West Ham midfielder, recently stated his desire to play in the Champions League, and Man Utd may be able to assist him.

Man United ace Bruno Fernandes vies with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. (Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

If you watched Declan Rice in action during West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day, you might be of the opinion that the England midfielder is ready for a move away from the Hammers. The 23-year-old looked frustrated as the London club lost 3-1 to the league leaders – with the defeat coming just hours after Moyes had spoken about the Irons’ desire to keep Rice at the club.

Rice has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium on several occasions in the past few seasons, with Chelsea often touted as his inevitable destination. However, with the Blues having changed owners, staff and manager in recent months, talk of a move for the midfielder has somewhat dropped.

The England international is also thought to be a target for several other clubs – and Man Utd have previously attempted to sign him. While his contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024 – with the option to extend by a year – he has rejected offers of a new deal and has recently spoken about his desire to play in the Champions League.

Earlier in December, Rice indicated that he wants to leave West Ham, saying he wants to win trophies and play in the Champions League. Given that the holding midfielder has no intention of extending his deal, there is a general consensus that he will be sold for a big fee in the summer.

The Hammers would demand a large fee for the player, and they are unlikely to be short of suitors. He is desperate to play at the highest level and has said playing for England increases his desire to compete for major honours.

“One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League,” Rice said at a press conference. “For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that. I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.

“You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”

United have been linked with a move for the Hammers man in recent months, even after the club recruited Casemiro from Real Madrid in the summer. The 30-year-old has impressed since arriving at Old Trafford, making 19 appearances for Erik ten Hag’s side – including one goal.

The Brazilian has provided much-needed protection for United’s defence, while also allowing Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen to play with more freedom. The trio have formed a solid understanding this term, but Casemiro (30) Eriksen (30) are both gradually coming towards the latter stages of their respective careers and will have to be replaced in the coming years.

Rice, 23, would add competition for United, and would, ultimately, arrive as the long-term successor for Casemiro. The Hammers and England ace has already made 183 appearances in the Premier League and has captained his club for the best part of two seasons. His top-flight experience would be important for whichever club he chose to join.

Declan Rice in action against Arsenal. (Image: 2022 Getty Images)

Should the Reds make a move for Rice, he would also help with the homegrown player rule. While United already have enough in their side, signing a player of Rice’s quality – who fits the necessary requirement to qualify as a homegrown player – would come as a massive bonus to the club.

Prior to West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day, Moyes insisted the Hammers ‘won’t just roll over’ and let club captain Rice leave. However, with the player having already hinted that he has ambitions of playing in Europe’s elite competition, it could prove difficult for the London club to keep hold of the player.

Like Rice, United’s ultimate goal – at least for now – is to be playing in the Champions League. Ten Hag has made it clear that achieving a top-four finish is the target this term, and that trophies would come as a welcome bonus. The Reds are unlikely to spend big in the January transfer window, and a midfielder is further down on the shopping list, but a move for Rice would certainly be a statement.

If it gets to the end of the season and Rice is still a West Ham player, it will certainly be a fight to secure his signature in the summer transfer window. Yet, if United were somehow able to finance a move for the player in the upcoming transfer window, they would give the midfielder a good chance of achieving his end goal, potentially as early as next season. In similar fashion, he could help the Reds achieve their target.

source: https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/