Manchester United continue to be linked with West Ham midfielder Declan Rice but have been warned over the signing of the England international.
Old Trafford is touted as one of the potentials destinations for the 23-year-old at the end of the season, with Rice’s displays for club and country making him one of the Premier League ’s best and most sought-after midfielders.
Former Red Devils striker Louis Saha believes that United would be a “great fit” for Rice, but he has also raised his concerns as to why the West Ham captain is yet to be snapped up by a top side in England.
Speaking to Compare.bet, Saha said of Rice: “Obviously, he’s a terrific player and he deserves to dream about playing Champions League football.
“I understand that there are big clubs in England that have looked for his services, but I would’ve thought that United would be a great fit. But definitely, there is competition at that position with Casemiro now, so I don’t know, to be honest.”
Rice was made West Ham captain following Mark Noble’s retirement at the end of last season and has already racked up 215 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers since making his debut in the final game of the 2016/17 season.
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The midfielder also played a huge part in England’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while 11 goals and 12 assists during his time in east London prove what he has to offer going forward as well as defensively.
But despite becoming one of the best midfielders in the top flight, taking on the captaincy role at West Ham and clearly possessing the ability to find the back of the net, Saha admits he is “unsure” as to why big clubs are yet to snap up the 23-year-old.
Discussing Rice further, the Frenchman added: “He’s a player with a lot of potential, and I’m finding it a bit strange that, if in the last two years he has proven to everybody that he doesn’t want to remain in West Ham, there must be a reason why big clubs haven’t made more of an effort to sign him.
“He’s a good player, very consistent, a leader, and can score goals, so I don’t know what it is. It’s a subject that I’m a bit unsure about.”
Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that West Ham boss David Moyes previously stated that it would cost upwards of £100million to sign Rice, while the Hammers are hardly under any pressure to sell him. He is under contract until the summer of 2024, while the club have the option to extend for another year.
Rice has, however, admitted his desire to play in the Champions League - something he is unlikely to achieve with West Ham. With Chelsea being the only other side to express genuine interest in securing his signature, the upcoming window may be the best chance for the Red Devils to go and get their man.
