Chelsea and Manchester United ready to battle over England star

Declan Rice has now turned down two separate contract offers from West Ham. That has Chelsea and Manchester United poised to battle for his services. 

England’s successful Euro 2020 campaign has improved the stock of Declan Rice and several of his international teammates. The downside for West Ham is that now Rice is refusing to sign a new deal to keep him with the Hammers long-term. It now appears that Rice’s future lies with either Chelsea or Manchester United.

According to Daily Telegraph correspondent Matt Law, both Premier League clubs are on “high alert” regarding Rice’s status. Even more troubling for West Ham officials is that Rice and his representatives have requested to “be informed” of any incoming bids for the talented midfielder.

Rice was the driving force behind David Moyes’ midfield for the Hammers last season. Selling him at any price would be a cruel blow for the club. Unfortunately for West Ham supporters, the club may be forced to sell him to the highest bidder this summer to make sure they can maximize their potential return for the rugged midfielder.

Chelsea or United? Who needs Rice most?

Both Manchester United and Chelsea have the financial might required to pry Rice away from West Ham in the end. It’s a question of motivation for both Premier League clubs.

Chelsea officials aren’t convinced that last year’s midfield combination of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic has the right amount of athleticism and power to power the Blues to a Premier League title. At the very least, adding Rice to the mix would give manager Thomas Tuchel much-needed tactical flexibility heading into next season.

United officials see Rice as a player who can provide their club a great insurance policy against Paul Pogba’s potential departure. Even if Pogba stays, Rice can give the club’s starting XI a significant upgrade over the likes of Fred or Scott McTominay in the double-pivot. Officials at Old Trafford hopes that Donny van de Beek would fill that role, but it appears he’ll be offloaded this summer after one mediocre season at the club.

The simple truth is that United need Rice more than Chelsea because their midfield has more question marks. If Pogba does leave this summer then United have an immediate need to land a big-name replacement. Rice lacks the flair that makes Pogba such a joy to watch, but he is a better defender and could be a superior fit inside Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s system.

For Chelsea, prying Rice away from West Ham would be a nice summer acquisition. The same move could be a game-changer for United. Solskjaer and compnay need to make sure they win the race for Declan Rice.