"I've got a sneaky suspicion..." - Pundit claims Man Utd could beat Arsenal to remarkable signing

Manchester United could beat Arsenal in a major transfer deal for West Ham United sensation Declan Rice, according to Simon Jordan.

The Hammers captain has attracted interest from some of the league's top clubs, and with his contract expiring in 2024 coupled with West Ham's poor league form this term, it appears likely he will leave.

He has been listed as a summer target for Premier League leaders Arsenal, as per The Times, but former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan believes that a resurged United under Erik ten Hag could beat them to his signature.

Speaking on talkSPORT (via HITC) on Wednesday, he said: “I’ve got a sneaky suspicion, if Manchester United keeps going the way they are – win a cup, even win the league title, that he could end up occupying the quarterback role at Manchester United.”

A fee of at least £80m is likely to be required for his signature but that could be considered a bargain given manager David Moyes placed an asking price of £150m on his head last summer.

Tough competition for his signature

Whoever potentially signs Rice will have fought off tough competition from several Premier League clubs.

Chelsea have been linked with him several times in the past, with Rice having previously been part of their academy setup. He also has a great friendship with Blues star Mason Mount.

However, the Evening Standard has recently listed Liverpool alongside Arsenal and Manchester United as being interested, with Chelsea currently exploring other options.

Given their recent midfield struggles, it's not a surprise to see Liverpool's name crop up, but their preferred option still appears to be Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.

It is likely Rice will dominate the transfer window this summer, as it is doubtful West Ham will want to risk letting a player with such a high value leave for free or a cut-price fee.

If they do end up getting relegated this season, then it will be an even bigger feeding frenzy.