The 2021-22 English Premier League season has not even kicked off yet but Manchester United and Chelsea are already locking horns. They are still engaging in an off-the-field battle to sign West Ham United and England midfielder Declan Rice, with both teams looking to shore up their midfield ranks this summer. Rice is not a new name when it comes to transfer speculations, as the midfielder has been a subject of serious speculations and rumors, especially from Chelsea since the start of last season.

Chelsea are the most serious of the club’s trying to sign the player and their interest in him dates back to the days of their former manager Frank Lampard, who tried to table a bid for their former star but West Ham made it clear that they were not willing to listen to offers for him. Fast forward to three transfer windows later the Blues are still strongly showing interest in Rice and they could also be making a bid for him in the coming days.

Manchester United’s interest in Rice is not as serious as the one Chelsea have, meaning that the Blues are in a better position to sign him if West Ham change their mind. With the Hammers interested in signing United midfielder Jesse Lingard this summer, there could still be a good chance of the Red Devils getting Rice in what could be a cash + player (Lingard) offer to the London club.

Olé Gunnar Solksjær is interested in signing a midfielder (after first signing a defender) this summer and Rice is one of the top options he has been looking at for a long time now. Lingard may have to choose from either fighting for his place at Old Trafford or accepting to be part of a deal that would see Rice replace him in United’s books.