Declan Rice spent all last summer being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, but that speculation diminished after Frank Lampard got the boot.
There were links to Manchester United as well but nothing concrete (until now).
The England midfielder has never tried to force a move out of West Ham, and he comes across as a big figure in the dressing room.
On top of that, Rice has certainly enjoyed teaming up with United loanee Lingard.
But given United need more quality in midfield, it was only a matter of time before rumours about a potential swap deal dropped.
🔴 #MUFC to explore Declan Rice move as part of any #WHUFC deal for Jesse Lingard
🔴 #MUFC set to make £4m on Lingard loan
🔴 Talk of Rice move during #ENG camp
🔴 Lingard grateful for Moyes support but wants to decide future at end of season📝 @RoshaneSport & @lauriewhitwell
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) April 8, 2021
And there it is… the inevitable links. The Athletic reckon United are going to explore a swap deal involving Rice and Lingard, since they find themselves in a very strong position at the negotiation table.
Lingard has been sensation since joining the Hammers on loan in January and it now looks like they could push for one of the Champions League spots. Also, I think a permanent move would benefit all three parities – it just comes down to how much the manager wants Rice.
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There is not a hope of Rice going to manu. West Ham have made that very clear.and of course when you are building a team it makes complete sense to get rid of your best player ! Obsessed is probably the word for the everday story of Declan Rice. New straw clutching story tomorrow . Everydays a winner-or ive got another repetitive Declan Rice story. Now what was that saying about a one trick or was it track ?