West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is being tipped for a big-money transfer to Manchester United in the future by former Premier League star Noel Whelan.
The England international is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young talents in Europe at the moment and makes sense as a signing Man Utd could prioritise in upcoming transfer windows.
Ander Herrera still needs replacing at Old Trafford after his summer move to Paris Saint-Germain, while Rice would also represent a significant upgrade on flops such as Nemanja Matic and Fred in that midfield department.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan believes Rice is going to be the next big-money Premier League transfer, saying he expects him to cost around £90million or more.
The 20-year-old seems like just the kind of player United could do with splashing the cash on, and one who could fit the bill for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he tends to have targeted young home-grown talent such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James.
“West Ham have got a really special player on their hands,” Whelan said. “They will struggle to hold on to him, because the big clubs will be hot on his trail.
“I think Declan Rice could be the next player who goes for a Premier League record fee. We have just seen Harry Maguire go for £80million and I wouldn’t be surprised if Rice goes for more than that, above £90million, even.
“He’s young, English, hugely talented and is such a long way from his peak. You look at a team like Man United, who need a midfield anchorman and you can see it happening.
“They don’t mind paying over the odds for a player, as we saw in the summer. I could see them looking to get Rice in January.”