Why Manchester United are hopeful of beating rivals Man City and Arsenal to Declan Rice transfer

Manchester United rivals Manchester City are believed to be in the pole position to sign England international Declan Rice from West Ham after Arsenal have had their two bids already rejected by the Hammers.

National Daily meanwhile learnt that United are optimistic of beating both City and Arsenal to the transfer of the 24-year-old as the Old Trafford club are reported to be ready to offer £40m plus two players to sign Rice from West Ham this summer.

With Arsenal already seen their two bids rejected for the midfielder, Premier League champions Manchester City are about to launch an opening bid for him.

But United hope Rice will snub Arsenal – who are set to make a third offer – and last season’s treble winners in favour of a switch to Old Trafford instead.

Rice is thought to be open to ‘any move’ with all three clubs looking to secure his signature and the Hammers looking to receive £100m for their star player.

National Daily gathered from the claim by the Daily Mail that the Red Devils are set to bid £40m plus captain Harry Maguire and winger Anthony Elanga in their first offer for Rice.

Interestingly for United, former boss and now West Ham David Moyes is understood to be a huge admirer of Maguire, who is free to leave having lost his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI last season.

It is understood that United have deemed Elanga surplus to requirements too and the 21-year-old Sweden international has also been linked with German club RB Leipzig.