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West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has been continuously linked with a move to Manchester United next summer but there are no guarantees over this transfer. The Englishman is West Ham's prized asset and still has two years left on his contract at the East London club.
So it would be wise for Manchester United to not put all their eggs in one basket, especially in an area where they need immediate strengthening.
Declan Rice should not neccesarily be a priority signing for Manchester United
Few can argue about the talent and potential of Rice. The 23-year-old ace is impactful going forward and is just as resolute defensively. But because of these abilities coupled with the duration of his contract, his price tag is likely to be more than £100 million. And while such a move is likely to be feasible for Manchester United, they could look for cheaper alternatives in the market.
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On that note, let's take a look at five midfielders Manchester United could opt to sign in the summer instead of Rice.
#5 Boubacar Kamara
Boubacar Kamara has been one of the rising talents of Ligue 1 in the last 18 months. The Marseille ace has gone from strength to strength under Jorge Sampaoli.
At only 22, the Frenchman is a clever passer of the ball and can dictate play from deep for his team. He is also defensively solid. He can track the runs of pacy attackers or even win aerial duels against the best opponents. These are qualities that are key when playing in the Premier League.
Additionally, his market value is currently £22.5 million. However, the midfielder is set to be available for free in the summer, with his contract running out this season.
Although Rice is a Premier League seasoned midfielder, Kamara is a cheaper option and could potentially develop into a world-beater.
#4 Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves, like Rice, is a player who has proven his mettle in English football. The Portuguese ace arrived at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017 from Porto and has arguably been the best player at the club since then.
The 25-year-old star has been instrumental in helping the club push for a European spot year-after-year through his incredible performances. Neves was linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer but any deal failed to materialize.
However, one can see why some clubs would still be keen on signing him. He can distribute the ball well while also protecting the backline brilliantly. His work-rate off the ball is sensational and he very rarely gets injured. He is also good on set-pieces and shooting from outside the box. Given the current needs of Manchester United, he would fit in quite well at Old Trafford.
Neves has a market value of £36 million at the moment, but Wolves are sure to demand more, given his importance to the club. Regardless, he would be a cheaper alternative to Rice and is only a couple of years older than the West Ham star.
#3 Kalvin Phillips
Kalvin Phillips is yet another Premier League talent who is slightly outgrowing his current club Leeds United. The midfielder came to prominence after his wonderful performances for England at the Euros last summer.
Phillips has often been injured for Leeds United this season, hence, it is no surprise that the club are in a relegation battle this term. Manager Marcelo Bielsa was also sacked by the club and replaced by Jesse Marsch.
Hence, in such circumstances, Manchester United might be able to lure the midfielder to the Theater of dreams. The 26-year-old star is at his professional peak. he can be a massive difference maker in the center of the pitch through his dynamism, tireless running and astute ball-playing abilities.
While Leeds are sure to demand a ransom-size figure for their star, his value could be slightly lower if they get relegated. Alternatively, the price could also come down if the player decides to push for an exit. Rice is a fine option but Phillips can offer the same things and might be relatively cheaper than his England teammate.
#2 Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni is arguably one of the top five defensive midfielders in European football at the moment. The AS Monaco star has been producing quality performances quite consistently for the Ligue 1 side since his arrival in January 2020.
Tchouameni is already playing for the French national team and is considered the heir to N'Golo Kante, thereby depicting his world-class potential. A simple player by the looks of it, the 22-year-old ace can change gears almost instantaneously. He can help his team turn defense into attack in a matter of moments.
His long-range passing and strength on the ball offer the perfect blend of qualities needed at Manchester United. Rice could do the same thing, but the price point will be the differentiating factor.
Rice, as mentioned before, could cost a hefty £100 million, but that is not the case with Tchouameni. Monaco are primed to finish outside the top four this season. They might have to part ways with their midfielder in the summer, especially if he requests a move away. His market value is currently £36 million. While the transfer fee is likely to be more, Manchester United could complete a coup by signing him.
#1 Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi is perhaps the most ideal signing for Manchester United in the summer transfer window. The Nigeran star has performed well for Leicester City in the Premier League for nearly five years now. He could be ready for a change of scenery.
Rice is a marquee option in the summer transfer market and will be wooed by many clubs. However, it will bode well for Manchester United just to sign an able player that can perform in both phases of the pitch.
Ndidi is an incredible ball progressor and can break lines with his passing. The African ace is also the first to sniff out danger and stop counter-attacks and dangerous passes in and around the penalty box. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City thrive due to their world-class central defensive midfielders, but they did not necessarily spend massive sums to sign them.
Manchester United, too, need to be clever about signing a defensive midfielder. Signing Rice for more than £100 million might be a good deal, but not when Ndidi could be available for considerably less. The Leicester ace is currently valued at £54 million and while the Foxes might demand more, it is likely to be lesser than £100 million.
So signing the 25-year-old ace for less than a triple digit figure would resemble quite a bargain. This way, Manchester United could also invest their remaining transfer budget on other key targets like a striker.
