Football News: Erik ten Hag makes Declan Rice his number one summer target

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is said to be anxious to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice during the summer transfer season.

The 24-year-old has been in fine form for the Hammers this season, appearing on 44 occasions across all competitions and producing four goals and four assists.

West Ham have the option to extend Rice's contract from June 2024 to June 2025, but he is largely anticipated to depart David Moyes' side in a big-money deal this summer.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Liverpool are all said to be interested in the England international, who has played 239 times for West Ham in all competitions.

According to The Sun, Man United is also interested, with head coach Ten Hag desperate for his team to make a trade during the upcoming transfer window.

Ten Hag 'has always been an admirer,' according to the source, but Rice's performance against the Red Devils in Sunday's Premier League battle at the London Stadium saw him 'jump to the top' of the summer shortlist.

After the game, the team's coaching staff was apparently 'all talking about' Rice, viewing him as a player capable of playing a vital role for the club in the years to come.

The Hammers overcame Manchester United last time out thanks to a blunder from David de Gea, who let a feeble shot from Said Benrahma go past him.

Ten Hag's team is still on target to qualify for next season's Champions League, lying one point clear of fifth-placed Liverpool in the table, with a game in hand.

Man United are reportedly hoping that Rice's tight relationship with Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford will persuade him to reject down interest from other clubs in order to join them at Old Trafford.

West Ham are said to be willing to allow their captain leave during the summer transfer window if they receive a bid of around £100 million

The London club's ability to extend the midfielder's contract until the summer of 2025 has given them an advantage in contract negotiations with other clubs.

Man United recruited Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to bolster their midfield last year, but Scott Mc Tominay could go this summer, while Fred has also struggled to impress in the second half of the season.

Ten Hag's side will look to rebound from consecutive losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham United when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Sports updates please follow us on Twitter