Manchester United have been urged to consider using Jesse Lingard as bargaining power in an effort to bring Declan Rice to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have been linked with the Hammers midfielder, who continues to grow in stature in east London.
United recently allowed Lingard to move to the London Stadium on loan for the rest of the season.
The midfielder has hit the ground running and already there is talk of a possible permanent deal.
Peter Crouch believes Lingard's time may be up at Old Trafford and a long-term switch to the Hammers would be beneficial.
That could play a role in a United move for Rice, although luring him away from West Ham's clutches appears a tough ask.
"I love Declan Rice," Crouch told the Daily Mail.
"I have got a few friends who are West Ham fans and they want the club to break the bank, make him club captain and do all that it takes to keep him there for the next 15 years.
"He’s a brilliant player and could play for any of the top sides.
"The suggestion makes sense for United. Lingard needs to get away as his time at Old Trafford is up, while Rice is the kind of player United need to add.
"Would West Ham do that deal? I’m not so sure. We’ll see what happens."
Rice has already hailed Lingard's impact since joining in January.
The 28-year-old scored twice on his debut in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa and the Hammers squad would love to see him join permanently.
Rice told TalkSPORT : “Jesse is a top player. I knew this from when I played with him for England. He’s a ridiculously top, top player.
“You know when you’re playing with a top player, he takes the ball on the half-turn, takes the ball in tight areas, relieves the pressure on you.
“When you give him the ball you know he’s going to do something with it, and obviously what comes with that is he’s got a great personality as well.
“All the lads have really taken to him and I’m so happy we’ve got him here now at West Ham.
“Hopefully we can do that for much longer for next season as well!”
