Declan Rice talks up former Manchester United captain Roy Keane's impact on his career

Declan Rice has expressed his admiration for Manchester United icon Roy Keane amid interest from the Reds.

The West Ham captain has been a prominent figure for David Moyes' side and has attracted interest from United, as they eye a busy summer, with additions in the midfield at the forefront of their plans.

With problems mounting in the middle of the pitch at Old Trafford, Rice has been touted as a player who could follow the likes of ex-United stalwart Keane in leading United's midfield.

When pushed on whether he preferred former Arsenal general Patrick Vieira or the ex-Republic of Ireland international, he told Gary Neville on the Overlap: "Oh, big question. Keane.

"You know what, I just feel like I've probably watched him more as a player - even though when I was a kid he was probably towards the end of his career - in terms of clips, how he plays and how he is as a captain when you hear stories, so yeah."

A lot of similarities have been drawn between the 22-year-old and Keane, despite being in the infancy of his professional playing career.

The Reds great has previously spoken highly of the England international and admitted Rice is better than he was during his playing days.

Keane told Sky Sports in September: "I think he would [improve United’s midfield]. I think Declan has improved more than any player I’ve seen over the last one or two seasons.

"I know he’s been linked with United. If you said to me a year or two ago, I’d have said ‘no, let him stay a year or two to mature’.

"He’s 22 and I look to where I was, I think he’s way ahead of me when I was 22.

"I think the next step will come to him when he plays a higher level, and when I say higher level I mean for Man United, playing in Champions League, competing