Manchester United to prioritise move for Chelsea target Declan Rice

Manchester United will reportedly prioritise a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice next summer.

The Red Devils were widely fancied to sign a midfielder this summer, but they could not find a suitable target.

Rice was on their radar, but a deal was deemed expensive after the huge outlay on Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho.

According to Manchester Evening News, Rice remains highly-rated by the Red Devils, and they will return for his services.

The England international has been identified as a possible replacement for Paul Pogba whose contract expires in 10 months.

The Red Devils are making preliminary arrangements for the transfer of Rice, who could cost more than £80 million next summer.

They are likely to face stiff competition in the player's pursuit with solid interest from league rivals Chelsea and Manchester City.

Chelsea see him as a versatile option who can also play in central defence. City consider him as a potential successor to Fernandinho.