Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has been urged to make a move for West Ham star Declan Rice, according to Paul Parker.
Rice’s stock value has soared after an impressive campaign with West Ham last season and a superb showing with England at Euro 2020 last summer.
West Ham are pushing for the 22-year-old midfielder to renew his contract, with Hammers boss David Moyes desperate to see Rice commit his long-term future.
Rice, who is under contract with West Ham until 2024, has attracted transfer interest from Premier League big-hitters Manchester City, United and Chelsea.
However, West Ham are prepared to fend off fierce interest from the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’ by demanding a fee potentially exceeding £100m.
United have struggled in the middle of the park and Rangnick has been limited to Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic as potential midfield pairings.
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Former United player Parker believes Rice is the best midfielder in the country and urged the Red Devils to sign him, even if it costs the club a “fortune.”
Speaking to Bettors, he said: “If you wanted to spend a fortune on a midfield player, go and get Declan Rice.
“Declan is the best central midfielder in the country.
“If City wants to pay £100million for Jack Grealish, if someone wants you to pay £160million [for Declan Rice], then you gotta pay it because Jack Grealish wasn't worth £100million. They’ve set a mark now.”
Rice has scored four times and registered three assists in 24 appearances for West Ham this season.
Moyes has started the England international in 19 of 20 Premier League matches, with West Ham only one point outside of the top four.
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Parker added that Rice is the “closest” player United could have to former Red Devils trio Bryan Robson, Roy Keane and Paul Ince.
“Declan Rice is the closest player that Manchester United could ever get, who you would say is -- ‘no he’s Bryan Robson, no he’s Roy Keane, no he’s Paul Ince.’ This is because he wants to do everything,” he explained.
“He’s one of those players who wants to say ‘please don't label me.’ Don’t label me as a defensive midfield player. Don't label me as an attacking midfielder as I want to be all over the park trying to control everything.”
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Manchester United, Premier League, England, Football, Declan Rice, West Ham United
Adnan Riaz