Manchester United to rival Chelsea for England star

Manchester United could go head-to-head with Chelsea in the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United next summer.

The England international is regarded as one of the Premier League's most consistent midfielders and he has been linked with a big-club move for sometime.

Rice started his youth career with Chelsea and earlier in the summer, he was linked with a possible move. However, the Blues did not make an approach, having already spent £225m on new signings.

They have been fancied to make a move next summer, but Manchester Evening News claims that they could face stiff competition from United, who will be looking to replace Paul Pogba.

Pogba will enter the final year of his contract in July next year and United are prepared to sanction his departure as he has no plans of extending his deal further.

A return to Juventus has been touted and the Red Devils could demand around £50m. That could help in their pursuit of Rice, who is reportedly valued at around £80m.