Manchester United are considering rivalling Arsenal’s move for Declan Rice by proposing a player-plus-cash deal that could involve Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay.
Arsenal’s latest bid of £90 million – £75 million plus £15 million in add-ons spread over five years – was immediately rejected by West Ham on Tuesday, and now United are considering whether to make a move.
There is interest from West Ham in United midfielder McTominay, who is among their players up for sale, while manager David Moyes is a huge admirer of Maguire. He can also leave Old Trafford this summer.
It is understood Maguire’s wage expectations may prohibit a move to West Ham – if he could be persuaded to accept the transfer – while it remains to be seen whether McTominay would be enthusiastic about making the switch.
The expectation remains that Rice is still far more likely to join Arsenal, who are due to submit a third offer, and that he wants to make the move to them. But United would like to sign him if a deal can be constructed within their relatively limited transfer budget this summer.
Manchester City are also keen admirers of the England international and have been considering making a move for him in recent days. Potentially, given the finances available to them having won the Champions League, they could blow their rivals out of the water.
Clearly it is in West Ham’s interests to create a market for their 24-year-old captain, who they have accepted can leave during this transfer window.
The interest from both Manchester clubs is, nevertheless, genuine and while West Ham have agreed to sell – eventually – they are prepared to wait for the right deal.
Sources have confirmed to Telegraph Sport West Ham would want to sign McTominay, with the 26-year-old having been made available for transfer as Erik ten Hag plans to re-shape his squad and increase his spending power.
United’s immediate priority in midfield is to sell Fred, who has one year left on his contract and is attracting attention from Fulham, and McTominay may still stay. But if they are able to use the Scot as a makeweight in any deal to sign Rice, they would consider it.
Moyes would like to sign Maguire but a move for the 30-year-old defender, who is also on Tottenham’s list of potential targets, is more complicated. Maguire has fallen down the pecking order at United but – for now – he remains club captain and there is no appetite to force him out even if he is not in Ten Hag’s plans.
West Ham have identified several targets should they receive the £100 million fee they are demanding for Rice. These include Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes. However if United can tempt them into a deal involving players and cash, their plans could change.
It remains to be seen what the valuation is for McTominay or Maguire and, if one of them agrees to leave, what portion of the Rice fee they would take up. United are yet to open negotiations with West Ham.
A major stumbling block in Arsenal’s offer is the length of time over which they want to pay the fee, which would be a club record.
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