Former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen believes Manchester United should make a summer move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
The England international impressed in the Hammers' 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
And former Fulham boss Meulensteen — who made his name as one of Sir Alex Ferguson's right-hand men between 2007 and 2013 — has been suitably impressed, saying he hoped United could lure Rice away from West Ham.
MEN Sport understands Ed Woodward is prepared to sanction a move for a defensive midfielder this summer with Rice a target, though Real Madrid have also been linked with the 20-year-old.
“What I like about him, apart from his physical stature, he’s a big boy, do you know what I mean,” Meulensteen told Malaysian TV station Stadium Astro.
“(On Saturday) I thought he played excellent.
“His reading of the game, breaking up play and reacting to things is very, very good.
“Obviously on top of that, and especially if you go to a bigger club like Real Madrid, hopefully maybe Manchester United, what you want to see is to produce those splitting passes to break lines and to really create chances.”
Meulensteen was joined by fellow pundit Scott Minto, who claimed that Real Madrid have already made contract with Rice's camp.
“I’m hearing that even Real Madrid are knocking on the door and speaking to his family, it’s a reliable source," said the former Chelsea player.
“West Ham, I’m sure, know about it or know about the fact (clubs are interested)
“Manchester United will be knocking on the door.
“The big boys of the Premier League and of world football will be saying, ‘This is a young club that is a club that could sell for the right price and could become one of the stars in that particular position.’ There’s potential.”
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