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Erik ten Hag 'makes Declan Rice his number one summer target'

Ten Hag 'makes Rice his number one summer target'
© Reuters
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is desperate for the Red Devils to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice this summer, according to a report.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is reportedly desperate for his club to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice during this summer's transfer window.

The 24-year-old has again been in impressive form for the Hammers during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 44 occasions in all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists in the process.

West Ham have the option to extend Rice's contract from June 2024 to June 2025, but he is widely expected to leave David Moyes's side this summer in a big-money deal.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool continue to be credited with an interest in the England international, who has represented the Hammers on 239 occasions in all competitions.

However, according to The Sun, there is also genuine interest from Man United, with the club's head coach Ten Hag desperate for his side to complete a move during the upcoming market.

West Ham United's Declan Rice celebrates after the match on February 4, 2023© Reuters

The report claims that Ten Hag 'has always been an admirer', but Rice's performance against the Red Devils in Sunday's Premier League clash at the London Stadium saw him 'rocket to the top' of the summer shortlist.

The team's coaching staff were allegedly 'all talking about' Rice after the match, viewing him as a player capable of playing a key role for the club in the years to come.

A howler from David de Gea saw the Hammers beat Man United last time out, with the goalkeeper allowing a tame strike from Said Benrahma to squirm past him.

Ten Hag's side remain on course to qualify for next season's Champions League, though, sitting one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool in the table, still with a game in hand on the Reds.

West Ham United's Declan Rice celebrates on August 28, 2022© Reuters

Man United are allegedly hopeful that Rice's close relationship with Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford could convince him to turn down interest from elsewhere in order to make the move to Old Trafford.

West Ham are believed to be prepared to let their captain leave during this summer's transfer window, providing that they receive an offer in the region of £100m.

The London club's ability to extend the midfielder's contract to the summer of 2025 has placed them in a strong position when it comes to negotiations with other clubs.

Man United signed both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen last year to boost their midfield, but Scott McTominay could leave this summer, while Fred has also struggled to impress in the second half of the season.

Ten Hag's side will be bidding to bounce back from successive losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham when they continue their league season at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City37277393336088
2Arsenal37275589286186
3Liverpool372310484414379
4Aston Villa37208976562068
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs371961271611063
6Chelsea371791175621360
7Newcastle UnitedNewcastle371761481602157
8Manchester UnitedMan Utd37176145558-357
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham371410135971-1252
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton371212135560-548
11Bournemouth37139155365-1248
12Crystal Palace371210155258-646
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves37137175063-1346
14Fulham37128175159-844
15Everton37139153949-1040
16Brentford37109185461-739
17Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest3789204766-1929
18Luton TownLuton3768235081-3126
RBurnley3759234076-3624
RSheffield UnitedSheff Utd37372735101-6616


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