Exclusive: Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay could be involved in the transfer, although Arsenal make a new offer and City are interested in Rice
Manchester United are considering competing with Arsenal’s transfer to Declan Rice by offering a more cash player deal which could involve Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay.
Arsenal’s latest offer of £90m – £75m plus £15m in surcharges spread over five years – was rejected outright by West Ham on Tuesday and United are now considering a move.
West Ham are interested in United midfielder McTominay, who is among the players for sale, while manager David Moyes is a big admirer of Maguire. He could also leave Old Trafford this summer.
It is understood Maguire’s salary expectations could prevent a move to West Ham – if he can be persuaded to accept the transfer – while it remains to be seen whether McTominay would be keen on the move.
The expectation remains that Rice is still much more likely to join Arsenal, that he will submit a third offer, and that he will want to join them. But United would be happy to sign him if a deal can be finalized this summer with their relatively limited transfer budget.
Manchester City are also big fans of the England international and have been considering a transfer for him in recent days. Given the financial resources available to them after winning the Champions League, they could potentially blow up their rivals.
It is clearly in West Ham’s interest to create a transfer market for their 24-year-old captain, who have agreed to leave this transfer window.
Interest from both Manchester clubs is nonetheless real, and although West Ham have agreed to a sale – eventually – they are ready to wait for the right deal.
Sources have confirmed to Telegraph Sport that West Ham are keen on signing McTominay as the 26-year-old has been made available on a transfer as Erik ten Hag plans to overhaul his squad and increase his spending power.
United’s immediate priority in midfield is to sell Fred, whose contract is one year old and attracting Fulham’s attention, and McTominay could stay anyway. But if they could use the Scotsman as a substitute in a deal to sign Rice, they would consider it.
Moyes would love to sign Maguire but a decision for the 30-year-old defender, who is also on Tottenham’s list of potential targets, is more complicated. Maguire has fallen down the hierarchy at United, but for now he remains club captain and there’s no desire to force him, even if that’s not in Ten Hag’s plans.
West Ham have identified several targets if they get the £100m fee he’s asking for Rice. Among them are Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes. However, if United can lure them into a deal with players and money, their plans could change.
It remains to be seen what the valuation is for McTominay or Maguire and, if either agrees to walk away, what portion of Rice’s fee they would get. United are yet to enter into negotiations with West Ham.
A major stumbling block in Arsenal’s offer is the period over which they want to pay the fee, which would set a club record.
