West Ham’s hope of sparking a bidding war for captain Declan Rice is becoming a reality after Manchester United joined the race to land the England international.
Hammers skipper Rice is set to leave this summer with the London Stadium club open to listening to offers for the midfielder.
It is thought a fee of around £100million would be enough to tempt West Ham into selling.
Arsenal are most advanced in their interest of Rice. Mail Sport revealed last week that the Gunners would open talks with the Hammers over a £90million swoop for the 24-year-old.
However, well-placed sources have indicated that Arsenal’s initial valuation of Rice falls more than £10million short of West Ham’s price - an indication that the Hammers are negotiating from a starting position of more than £100m.
And the emergence of United as contenders for Rice’s signature is playing into West Ham’s hands as they look to secure the best possible deal.
Chelsea, too, have a long standing interest in Rice - but the midfielder has made clear he wants to play Champions League football next season.
United head coach Erik ten Hag wants to bolster his midfield ahead of next season and believes Rice can add steel and energy to his team.
We revealed yesterday that United have launched a £55million swoop for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
United’s interest in Rice and Mount opens up the prospect of the boyhood friends playing in the same team next season.
Rice and Mount, who both came through the academy system at Chelsea, have a close relationship; and the prospect of reuniting at club level is likely to interest the duo.
West Ham will embark on a major spending spree this summer, which will be funded, in part, by Rice’s sale.
James Ward-Prowse and Harvey Barnes are among the club’s transfer targets.
Fulham midfielder Palhinha is another target, but the Cottagers are desperate to keep the Portugal international as they bid to keep head coach Marco Silva, who is attracting interest from elsewhere.