Man Utd 'could include Scott McTominay in part-exchange deal' for West Ham star Declan Rice

Manchester United could include Scott McTominay in a part-exchange deal to sign West Ham star Declan Rice this summer, according to a new report.

The West Ham captain will be the subject of an intense transfer battle this summer, with Arsenal, Chelsea, United and Bayern Munich all reportedly interested in signing him.

Any discussions will take place after the Europa Conference League final, in which Rice is set to lead the Hammers in Prague against Italian side Fiorentina.

But the Daily Mail claim that Arsenal are set to launch a bid for the 24-year-old after the final, with Rice the primary midfield target of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

United also want to sign the midfielder, but face issues in relation to their initial transfer budget. The Athletic report it initially stands at £100 million, but can be increased by player sales. On the other hand, Arsenal's budget is said to stand at around £180 million before sales, as per the Mail's 'Transfer Confidential' column.

Now, according to a new report, Erik ten Hag's side have devised a plan to potentially secure Rice's signature without paying the full asking price.

McTominay to swap with Rice?

The Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel claims that United would offer a lower amount to sign Rice than the £90 million bid that Arsenal are said to be readying.

However, the report adds that the club are willing to offer players to West Ham in part-exchange for Rice.

And one of those players, it is claimed, could be Scotland international midfielder Scott McTominay, as the Hammers have been credited with an interest in 26-year-old.

McTominay has not featured as a regular starter for Ten Hag this term, but has dealt with multiple injuries and has still made 24 appearances in the Premier League.

He has also attracted interest from Newcastle, which dates back to the January transfer window, and he has previously been praised by legendary United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Speaking to the Scottish FA in April 2021 about the midfielder, Ferguson explained: "Scott McTominay is now emerging as one of Man United's big players. When you watch Man United pick their team for a big game, McTominay's name is in it. He's a good character, a great trainer.

"I know a little bit about the boy and I think that's the background. I signed him when he was seven or eight years of age, and he was actually a centre forward as a kid.

"He's just sprouted, a little bit like Darren Fletcher - Darren had a few little annoying injuries as he was growing and needed some rest periods and things like that.

"McTominay is of a similar type to Darren - long, lanky, good winner of the ball and a good turn of pace going forward, a great attitude to the game. All of these attributes that Darren Fletcher had, he's got them."

Topics: Manchester United, Declan Rice, West Ham United, Scott Mctominay, Sir Alex Ferguson, Premier League, Transfers, Arsenal, Erik Ten Hag

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.