Manchester United identify €70m-valued star as summer transfer priority – report

Manchester United invested heavily in their squad over the summer, with the arrivals of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo signifying the club’s intentions to close the gap at the top of the Premier League table.

Supporters were still left frustrated, however, as the window flew past without the club adding a central midfielder to their already bloated squad.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has persisted with his central midfield options, with Scott McTominay and Fred being regulars in the Norwegian manager’s side.

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has been linked with a move to Manchester United for quite some time now and now, the Old Trafford club has identified the England international as their first-choice target in next summer’s transfer window.

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That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, who have updated supporters on United’s chase for a long-term option in the middle of the park. According to the report, the Old Trafford hierarchy has already earmarked Rice as next year’s midfield priority.

Rice is under contract at West Ham for another two years when the current season ends but he is not expected to sign on for fresh terms with the Hammers, making a move away from the club more likely.

Rice is one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League and has also been linked with Chelsea in recent years. The 22-year-old, who is a regular for England, is valued at a whopping €70m by Transfermarkt.

Whether Manchester United decide to spend that much money on Rice remains to be seen but their need for a new face in midfield is glaringly obvious.

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