Manchester United have been told how they can secure Declan Rice from West Ham next summer.
Having finished as runners-up to neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League last season, key figures in the Old Trafford boardroom issued a triple statement of intent - signing Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane before they pulled out all the stops to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back.
They were, though, unable to follow up those pursuits with a top-level defensive midfielder.
Manchester Evening News understands that has, instead, been identified as a priority for the January and summer windows. Rice was thought to be target number one in that regard, while Amadou Haidara has since emerged as a potential alternative on account of his existing relationship with Ralf Rangnick.
The interim manager might have the final say but, when it comes to Rice, a hefty transfer fee is not the only matter standing in United's way - according to ex-Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking on radio station talkSPORT, the pundit said: "If I'm Declan Rice, I'm seeing my England teammates playing Champions League finals and playing Champions League games at the highest level. That's exactly what he's going to want to do.
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"If West Ham can't offer him that football, it's only going to be a matter of time.
"The likes of Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice are starters for England. They're going to be wanting to playing in those top competitions. For me, I don't see Declan Rice signing a new deal.
"I think in the summer they will have to sell him. Unless they get top-four, Declan Rice for me will leave."
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