Manchester United are leading the race to sign 23-year-old Chelsea target

Transfer News: Manchester United are leading the race to sign Chelsea target Declan Rice

According to ESPN, Manchester United are in pole position to sign Chelsea target Declan Rice from West Ham United in the upcoming summer transfer window. 

Declan Rice has developed into one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League. After producing a sensational spell in the Premier League for West Ham, Rice came third in the FWA award trailing Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne. The 23-year-old has also bagged five goals and four assists in 46 appearances across all competitions this term.

Rice’s productive output hasn’t gone unnoticed by one of his former teams, Chelsea. The Blues were keeping tabs on the 23-year-old in an attempt to secure his transfer, but their transfer approach has been filled with uncertainty due to the ongoing ownership takeover process.

It is now believed that Manchester United are in the most suitable position to secure the signature of the talented holding midfielder. Even though a handful of Premier League teams are still in the race, the Red Devils have the financial advantage for completing such a deal. 

Big Blow for Chelsea?

Declan Rice seems to have all the attributes of a top-notch holding midfielder as he has already proved his productive skills in front of the Premier League crowd. He has looked more mature and determined in recent seasons after being trusted with a prominent role by West Ham manager David Moyes.

Having spent a significant amount of time at the Chelsea academy, the 23-year-old knows the structure and demand of the West London club. As he already has ample Premier League experience, we would be much more comfortable adapting to Thomas Tuchel’s tactics than any foreign newcomers. 

Considering the recent news, our team might not be in the best possible position to complete the deal. But, giving away such a talented youngster to a direct rival only diminishes our chances of maintaining a successful run in the Premier League next season.

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The Blues board should keep an active communication channel with the entourage of the West Ham midfielder. At the end of the day, his intentions will matter more and considering his relationship with our club, our board might have a chance to convince him to make a move once the ownership saga ends.