Man Utd target Declan Rice has already admitted Old Trafford is one of his 'favourite places to play'

Manchester United target Declan Rice has already praised Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag's side reportedly preparing to launch a summer bid for the West Ham captain.

The 24-year-old midfielder has established himself as one of the top players in his role in English football, and has a host of teams attempting to secure his signature this summer.

Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Chelsea have all been credited with an interest in Rice - with the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel claiming he is the primary midfield target of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

But Manchester United have now joined the race, according to the same outlet.

It is said that Ten Hag wants to improve United's midfield this summer, and believes that Rice can add 'steel and energy' to the team.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports report that the Dutchman sees the trio of Rice, Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Tottenham forward Harry Kane as ideal characters to add to his dressing room, although the club will be unable to sign all three players within their summer budget.

Now, past quotes from Rice about Old Trafford have re-emerged.

Rice on Old Trafford

Rice played 90 minutes for West Ham during a 1-0 defeat to United at Old Trafford in January 2022 - at a time when he was heavily linked with a move to the Manchester club.

Both clubs were also competing for Champions League football at that stage. While West Ham are in the bottom half of the Premier League table this term, they will secure Europa League football for next season if they defeat Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.

Speaking after the game, Rice said (quotes via talkSPORT): "I was loving it. Every time I come to Old Trafford, I've always said it's one of my favourite places to play. It's an amazing stadium."

United and Ten Hag will no doubt hope that the 24-year-old will be lining up in their team's kit at Old Trafford next season, instead of joining one of their Premier League rivals - if he departs West Ham.