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.
![https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5Zv86DXIAAMMI7.jpg](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5Zv86DXIAAMMI7.jpg)
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.