Manchester United are currently in the midst of a major rush to get signings over the line, hoping to add to their squad before the end of the transfer window.
While there is still plenty of work to be done, they are very close to getting one name through the door. A deal worth up to £70million has been agreed with Real Madrid to bring Casemiro to the club.
The Brazilian brings with him a big reputation, although there is an argument to be made that they would have been better off going in a different direction.
Paul Merson not convinced by Declan Rice to Man United claims
Declan Rice is a player that has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, although there seemed to be little possibility of such a move this summer. West Ham have little interest in selling him and would ask for an astronomical fee before they even considered any bids.
Despite this, Michael Dawson felt that Manchester United should have went all out and just paid the required amount for the 23-year old.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson seem baffled by the suggestion that Erik ten Hag's side would be capable of just cherrypicking players from other Premier League clubs on their current state.
Should Manchester United have signed Declan Rice instead of Casemiro? 🤔🔴 pic.twitter.com/PShxYArD05
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 20, 2022
Dawson: You talk about a strategy, he's 23 so it's for the long-term. I think Casemiro is a good signing, but it's £60million, a lot of money and he is 30.
I'm looking at Declan Rice, and I said it on here last year and Merse looked at me like I was stupid, if it's £100million go and pay it. It's Manchester United. Merse is still looking at me.
Merson: I like Declan Rice, I'm a big fan, but £100million is a lot of money. Does Declan Rice even want to go to Man United?
You can't keep getting embarrassed. With Man United, it's like 'can't get him, can't get him'. If Declan Rice turns around and says 'I don't want to go to Man United', then what?..
Are they going to pay £100million? They were looking at [Marko] Arnautovic for £7million...
I like Declan Rice, but it's the price. You can't keep throwing around three-figure sums for players, £100million? He won't (have a resale value), four years trying to run around in that team trying to get it together? They are 11 individuals...
This player is good enough to go and play for one of the other teams, he's not going to pick Man United at the moment. If Declan Rice comes up and West Ham says they're going to sell him and cash in, it won't just be Man United after him.
Manchester United certainly are no longer the draw in the transfer market that they once were, as proven by their struggles this summer. They have failed to convince a number of targets to move to the club.
Declan Rice seems unlikely to leave West Ham this season, although he is sure to have a number of suitors in the Premier League when he does eventually move on. It is far from a guarantee that Old Trafford would be his first choice destination in such a scenario.
SEE ALSO: Casemiro Is An Excellent Player, But He's Not A Good Signing For Manchester United
