Manchester United entered this transfer window with plenty of hefty expectations, after a solid first season under the stewardship of Erik Ten Hag.
Despite their third place finish in the Premier League and Carabao Cup victory, it is clear that investment is needed in several key areas if United are to challenge for major honours under Ten Hag.
Alongside the need for an out-and-out striker, and an upgrade on the declining David de Gea in goal, there is a clear need for Manchester United to improve their options in midfield.
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Casemiro at the base of the Manchester United midfield proved to be one of the signings of last season, and Bruno Fernandes remains one of the league's finest playmakers - but to fully unlock both players, an elite presence is required alongside them in midfield.
Chelsea man Mason Mount is reportedly pushing hard for a move to Old Trafford - but Mount's England teammate Declan Rice is another that Ten Hag and his team have their sights set on.
West Ham have confirmed that Rice will be departing the club this summer, putting England's biggest teams on high alert for one of the highest-rated young midfielders in the game.
Though Arsenal and Manchester City seem to be the frontrunners for Rice's signature, fresh reports in the UK this week suggest that Manchester United may kill two birds with one stone and attempt to offer up two out-of-favour players plus cash in an effort to sway West Ham.
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Manchester United: Two out-of-favour players reportedly part of proposed Declan Rice deal
Alongside their efforts to upgrade in several key positions, Manchester United are likely to offload several players in this summer's transfer window.
Among those most heavily linked with moves away are David de Gea, Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, and Scott McTominay.
The Telegraph now report that United will put forward Maguire and McTominay plus cash in a bid to secure the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham.
McTominay, in particular, would be a big plus point in the bid, as he would fill a similar role in the team as Rice currently does for West Ham. Maguire, on the other hand, has continued to impress for England despite his poor form for Manchester United.
Manchester City have decided to bid for Declan Rice after calling West Ham last Friday to be informed 🚨🔵 #MCFC
Man City also checked player’s side — understand Rice is open to any move so deal depends on the clubs now.
Arsenal, planning to bid again since last week. ⚪️🔴 #AFC pic.twitter.com/wdHsnlerii— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023
The valuation of the bid is likely to be the deciding factor, with Arsenal and Manchester City seemingly still in pole position to sign the Englishman in a big-money deal.
If Manchester United were to sign both Mason Mount and Declan Rice, it would mark a huge start to their transfer window - as of yet, both transfers remain up in the air, as does the club's potential takeover.
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