Manchester United aware of demand in excess of £100 million for player linked with Old Trafford switch: Reports

Manchester United are believed to be plotting a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

The Red Devils have reportedly prioritized the signing of a new defensive midfielder. According to The Sun, United are already aware that they will have to shell out upwards of £100 million for Rice next summer.

The 22-year-old rose through the youth ranks at West Ham before debuting for the club in the 2016-17 season. He became a first-team regular a season later, and has become a talisman for the team.

Rice has made 169 appearances across competitions for West Ham, and has scored eight goals. His consistent performances in midfield helped David Moyes' side finish sixth in the Premier League table last season and qualify for the Europa League.

The midfielder was also impressive for England at Euro 2020. He played a key role in the Three Lions' run to the final, where they lost to Italy on penalties.

Rice has scored three goals in 24 appearances in all competitions for West Ham this season. That has helped propel the Hammers to fifth in the Premier League table, one point behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are languishing in seventh place in the Premier League table. The Red Devils have won three and drawn one of their last four league games. However, they have struggled due to the absence of a top-quality defensive midfielder.

Scott McTominay and Fred have shown signs of improvement under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. The duo, though, lack the quality and composure to produce the goods consistently. So the Red Devils have identified West Ham's Rice as their top transfer target.

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Manchester United could offload fringe players to sign Declan Rice

Crystal Palace vs West Ham United - Premier League

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has made no secret of his desire to leave the club in recent weeks. He has made just seven Premier League appearances for the club this season and has scored one goal.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils have rejected a loan offer from Sevilla for the Frenchman. United will be keen to recoup most of the £36 million they spent to sign Martial from AS Monaco in the summer of 2015.

Manchester United could also look to sell Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek. According to ESPN, the former Ajax star has attracted interest from Everton and Newcastle United.

United will need to part ways with a few fringe players to raise the funds required to land Declan Rice.