Manchester United are 'definitely' interested in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice but may struggle to strike a summer deal thanks to his current employers' asking price, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Red Devils have endured an underwhelming campaign and are set to finish outside of the Champions League qualification spots, so the transfer window could offer the perfect opportunity to draft in reinforcements.
What's the latest news involving Rice?
Erik ten Hag will officially take over as Manchester United's new manager next week and it appears he has set his sights on linking up with Rice.
It is believed that the Dutchman has identified the 23-year-old as one of his priority targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
However, it seems the Red Devils will have to pay big money in order to secure Rice's services as West Ham have revealed a £150million price tag.
If Manchester United were to meet the Hammers' asking price, the central midfielder would comfortably become the most expensive signing in the club's history.
Rice has been a regular starter this season, taking his number of West Ham appearances up to 194.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Rice?
O'Rourke believes Manchester United are keen to welcome Rice to Old Trafford, but he doubts whether it will be possible to conclude a deal.
The journalist feels West Ham may have priced the Red Devils out of the running by putting such a lucrative valuation on the 29-cap England international.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I'm sure they'll definitely be interested in Declan Rice. Whether they can do a deal or not is going to be the big question, really.
"His price tag is going to be very prohibitive, I think, for any club that wants to sign him with West Ham still demanding £100million-plus. There's even been talk about £150million."
Why have West Ham valued Rice at £150million?
As Rice still has more than two years remaining on his £62,000-per-week deal and West Ham hold an option of extending the agreement by 12 months, the east Londoners are in the driving seat heading into the transfer window.
Although he turned down a third contract offer from the Hammers last month and has yet to accept an eight-year proposal worth £200,000-per-week, Rice is still not in a position where he can force his current employers into sanctioning his departure.
Additional interest from Manchester City also means West Ham could see this as the perfect opportunity to oversee a bidding war.