Manchester United on high alert after West Ham midfielder rejects third contract

Manchester United have gone quiet since the arrival of centre-back Raphael Varane but could make a last-minute ditch for West Ham midfielder, Declan Rice.

The closing of the summer transfer window is fast approaching and the silliest period of the “Silly Season” is about to get underway. One transfer saga that has gone cold is the potential departure of Declan Rice from East London.

Since the price tag of £100m was slapped on the midfielder, teams who were strongly interested in him, backed off and cooled their interest. However, things could heat up again and a Rice transfer might still take place.

All English Premier League

The player has reportedly rejected a third contract renewal and this has put Manchester United, plus others who are long-term chasers, on high alert.

"Declan Rice has long been the target of Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City. And they have been handed a huge boost after Rice turned down a new deal.West Ham star Declan Rice has turned down a third contract offer at the club, it has been reported. The England star, 22, has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium but no bids have been made for the midfielder who is valued at around £100m.(Via: dailystar.co.uk)"

Further, it is being said, the player is not happy with the club’s ridiculous £100m evaluation of him – a total meant to fend off potential suitors.

Counting tremendously in the Hammers favour, Rice is still contracted to the club for the next three years and it is also believed that he is in no rush to move away from the London Stadium with next summer said to be the perfect time to part ways.

In the Rice race

Declan Rice is spoilt for choice and has the opportunity to join Chelsea, Manchester City, or Manchester United. The Cityzens see him as a long-term replacement for the ageing Fernandinho, whereas United want to finally plug the hole in front of the defenders.

Chelsea just wants their boy back but saw other areas, like the striker position, as a far more pressing issue to solve before the window close – spending close to £100m for Romelu Lukaku.

West Ham ends Matchday 2 as the team at the summit of the English Premier League standings following two wins from two games played and have scored the most goals so far.

The side looks like they are gelling well together and Rice appears quite happy but could just be waiting for the right moment to force a move out of East London.

Manchester United’s done deals

Joined the club [3 players]

Jadon Sancho [Dortmund]
Tom Heaton [Aston Villa]
Raphael Varane [Real Madrid]

Left the club [23 players]

Sergio Romero [released]
Joel Pereira [released]
Jacob Carney [released]
Iestyn Hughes [released]
Arnau Puigmal [released]
Max Taylor [released]
Aliou Traore [released]
Nathan Bishop [Mansfield] Loan
Johan Guadagno [Copenhagen]
Mark Helm [Burnley]
Reece Devine [St Johnstone] Loan
Tahith Chong [Birmingham] Loan
Will Fish [Stockport] Loan
Charlie McCann [Rangers B]
Di’Shon Bernard [Hull City] Loan
Facundo Pellistri [Deportivo Alaves] Loan
Axel Tuanzebe [Aston Villa] Loan
Ethan Galbraith [Doncaster Rovers] Loan
Ethan Laird [Swansea City) Loan
Dylan Levitt [Dundee United] Loan
Andreas Pereira [Flamengo] Loan
James Garner [Nott’m Forest] Loan
Brandon Williams [Norwich City] Loan