Paul Robinson has tipped Manchester United to sign Declan Rice ahead of Chelsea and Manchester City while urging West Ham United to keep hold of him.
Declan Rice has blossomed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League after consistently performing at West Ham United over the last few seasons. He has been pivotal in the Hammers’ rise as a top-six side while becoming a competent team in Europe.
Unsurprisingly, some of the biggest Premier League clubs are already circling around Rice for his signature, with Manchester United considered the front-runners for the midfielder owing to current circumstances. The Red Devils may not be the English international’s preferred destination, as his affiliations with Chelsea are well known to the wider world.
Rice was reportedly holding out for a move to Chelsea for a long period, but the ongoing problems at the west London club may destabilise a potential pursuit. It leaves the door open for clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City to take advantage and make their approach.
Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson feels the same way about a move to Chelsea and has told Football Insider that Manchester United will likely sign him instead of Chelsea and Manchester City in the summer.
Robinson said, “The Chelsea move is off the table. Where else does he go? I do not see him going to Man City. They have Rodri in that area. I can only see him going to Manchester United. I expect them to be looking at Rice and Kalvin Phillips. Chelsea was the move he wanted, though.”
West Ham have reportedly slapped a £150 million price tag on the English international to ward off interest from domestic rivals. Manchester United have not shied away from paying a premium for the players they decide to pursue seriously, making the chase more interesting.
Robinson also suggested that the Hammers should look to keep hold of Rice, insisting his value will not diminish in twelve months’ time. The midfielder has a contract with the London club until 2024, with the West Ham holding the option for a further year.
Robinson continued, “Do West Ham need to sell him this summer? He’ll have two years left on his contract, but I do not think his value alters too much in 12 months. I’d keep him if I was West Ham. If he doesn’t want to sign a new deal, keep him and cash in next year.”
Manchester United certainly need a midfield shake-up, and bringing in a notable name may resonate with their style of doing transfer business. The price tag certainly remains on the higher side, although it could be considered an investment for the long term.
There could be more twists in the tale amid the evolving situation at Chelsea, and if things go down well with the club’s sale, their pursuit could be resurrected in the summer. For now, Manchester United remain the front-runners ahead of the Blues and Manchester City and should use it to their advantage in the pursuit of the midfielder.
