Declan Rice asked England team-mates Maguire and Luke Shaw about Man Utd

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice reportedly asked Manchester United players about the club during his time in the England squad recently amid heavy interest in his services.

United are looking for a new midfielder this summer and recent reports claimed that the Premier League giants had considered brokering an £80million package for Rice - a player they have been interested in for more than two years now.

And according to the Manchester Evening News, Rice got the lowdown on United from Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw during England's camp for their World Cup qualifying triple-header last month.

United trio Maguire, Shaw and Dean Henderson were with Rice for the entire of England's camp while Jesse Lingard - on loan at West Ham from the Red Devils - was also in the squad while Marcus Rashford withdrew through injury.

The report claims that England midfielder Rice is interested in joining United and specifically asked Maguire and Shaw about aspects of the club.

The Premier League giants have traditionally pursued England stars after a major summer tournament.

The likes of Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick moved to Old Trafford between 2002 and 2006 after shining at either the World Cup or Euros.

The Red Devils have been monitoring Rice's situation for more than two years now and believe the defensive midfielder can convert into a box-to-box star.

Rice has become West Ham's key man in recent seasons and is the on-field skipper in the absence of Mark Noble this season, with the Hammers flying in the Premier League.

David Moyes's side currently occupy the final Champions League spot with seven matches remaining, sitting a point above London rivals Chelsea while Liverpool are three adrift.

A potential move for Rice is likely to be determined by the future of United loanee Lingard.

West Ham are looking to make Lingard's loan move permanent after starring at the London Stadium and it was revealed last week by the Athletic that United were keen to discuss a swap deal involving the winger and Rice - in order to persuade the Hammers into selling their star man.

But the Sun claimed the Hammers have no intention of the 22-year-old England star being part of any transfer conversations in the summer, and will not be bullied by their Premier League counterparts into selling their vice-captain.

The report added that Old Trafford chiefs have considered brokering an £80m package for Rice, with his current club and international team-mate Lingard used as a makeweight in that proposal.

Moyes has previously said that it would take 'Bank of England' money for a club to sign Rice.

Responding to suggestions West Ham's owners have put a valuation on Rice, manager Moyes said last month: 'I certainly wouldn't put a price on it. The owners think he's worth £100 million — well, I completely disagree with that.

'Far, far more than £100m. I look at the players who have joined some clubs from overseas and nowhere near had the impact of Declan Rice would have. They could not lace Declan Rice's boots.'