West Ham are said to be interested in accepting Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire in exchange for Declan Rice. The news comes after it was revealed that Manchester United is reportedly willing to offer the pair as part of a package for Rice, who is now valued at £100 million by West Ham.
So far, Arsenal has led the race, but Manchester United may be about to match the Gunners’ offer by putting a swap agreement on hold.
According to the Telegraph, Manchester United are discussing whether to include McTominay and Maguire in the package to sweeten a deal.
Arsenal is now the biggest bid, but with West Ham interested in both McTominay and Maguire, it’s a deal that might sweeten the pot.
Both players would be of interest to West Ham, according to an insider ExWHUEmployee, which might provide United the motivation to take a chance.
“We suspect the rumor of Manchester United entering the Declan Rice race with a player + cash deal could be true,” stated @ExWHUEmployee. Maguire and McTominay would be considered in any trade by West Ham. Maguire’s pay would have to be reduced. McTominay is admired by Moyes.”
West Ham had been hoping for a bidding war for Rice since chairman David Sullivan declared the club’s intention to move its captain following the Conference League triumph in Prague this summer.
Manchester City has also been connected with a move, and it’s been said that they could include Kalvin Philips in the deal.
West Ham has long admired Phillips, but the former Leeds man has stated that despite making only two Premier League starts last season, he hopes to stay.
As talks with West Ham continue, Arsenal remains optimistic about completing a transaction as soon as feasible.
The Hammers are already hunting for a potential successor, despite being quoted a high fee by Fulham for top midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Palhinha made an impressive Premier League debut last season after joining Sporting in Portugal.
Borussia Dortmund is also said to be after Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez.