Manchester United 'absolutely need' to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice and they 'have a good chance' of luring him to Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Red Devils are heading into a new era, with Erik ten Hag taking over as manager at the end of the season, and it appears the Dutchman wants Rice to be among his first acquisitions.

What's the latest news involving Rice?

Rice is understood to be among ten Hag's primary targets as he looks to bring success back to Manchester United.

However, they are set to have stiff competition from their arch-rivals as Manchester City are also interested ahead of Fernandinho's summer departure from the Etihad Stadium.

While Rice still has more than two years remaining on his £62,000-per-week West Ham deal and his current employers hold an option of extending the agreement by 12 months, there are question marks over his long-term future.

That is because the 23-year-old turned down a third contract offer from the east Londoners last month, leading to his suitors being put on red alert.

West Ham have responded by putting an eight-year proposal worth £200,000-per-week on the table, but Rice has yet to sign on the dotted line.

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What has Dean Jones said about Rice?

Jones understands Manchester United are among those at the front of the queue to strike a deal for Rice if it becomes clear that he could be sold this summer.

The transfer insider believes the Red Devils should prioritise welcoming the central midfielder to Old Trafford.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Manchester United are definitely one of the clubs that have a good chance of getting Declan Rice.

"Financially, they could do it and they absolutely need him."

How much would Man United have to pay?

It has become obvious that West Ham are not willing to sell 29-cap England international Rice on the cheap, but that should not come as a surprise as he has been described as 'world-class'.

Hammers boss David Moyes, who was previously in charge of Manchester United, has made it clear that he has no intention of offloading his star man and the east Londoners have slapped a £150million price tag on Rice.

Meeting that figure would result in Rice not only becoming the most expensive signing in Manchester United's history, but it would also break the British transfer record, so ten Hag will need to splash the cash and spend a considerable chunk of his budget in order to get a deal over the line.