Manchester United will find the 'perfect solution' to their midfield struggles by making the 'massive signing' of West Ham United star Declan Rice in the summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Red Devils are preparing to head into a new era, with Erik ten Hag set to take over as their new manager at the end of the season, and it appears Rice is among the big names being targeted ahead of the reopening of the transfer window.
What's the latest news involving Rice?
Ten Hag may still be at the Ajax helm for now, but Rice is understood to be high on the Dutchman's transfer wishlist ahead of making the move to Manchester.
However, the Red Devils are facing up to a difficult challenge when it comes to persuading West Ham to sell their prised asset as Hammers boss David Moyes has admitted he has no intention of sanctioning his exit and placed a £150million price tag on the 23-year-old.
Parting with that sum of money would result in Rice becoming Manchester United's club-record signing and also overtaking Jack Grealish as the most expensive British transfer in history.
But the Red Devils' hopes of striking a deal which would take Rice to Old Trafford have potentially been boosted after it was revealed that the central midfielder has turned down a third contract offer from West Ham and is open to departing the London Stadium at the end of the season.
Rice's snub has put Manchester City on red alert and they could go head-to-head with their cross-city rivals for his signature, while it was previously reported that Rice would prefer to rejoin former club Chelsea if he were to leave the Hammers.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Rice?
O'Rourke believes signing Rice could enable ten Hag to solve one of the problem positions at Manchester United.
The journalist also feels beating the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea to Rice's signature would show the Red Devils mean business heading into next season.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "It would be a massive signing for Manchester United if they could get Declan Rice.
"I think a lot of people see Rice as being a perfect solution to Manchester United's midfield problems. He's been a revelation for West Ham and England over the last 18 months to two years and established himself as one of the best midfielders in Europe.
"If Manchester United could go and attract Declan Rice to Old Trafford, I think it would send out the right signals to everybody - that the club are looking to get back on the right path and they are in the market for the top players."
Why is Rice on ten Hag's shortlist of targets?
Rice may still be in the early stages of his career, but he has already won 29 caps for England, emphasising that he is one of the country's best central midfielders.
The opportunities handed to the West Ham man by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate have only come as a result of Rice's fine form at club level, with him already closing in on 200 Hammers appearances.
Ten Hag will have the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred at his disposal when he heads to Old Trafford, but Rice would take Manchester United's midfield to another level with his attributes.