Man Utd: £150m star could be 'more attracted' to Old Trafford move next year

Manchester United would ‘pay the extra money’ to sign Declan Rice instead of going for Frenkie de Jong, but Erik ten Hag may be forced to wait until next summer before bringing the West Ham United star to Old Trafford, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Ten Hag is set to take over as the Red Devils’ manager at the end of the season and will be given the opportunity to add reinforcements to the squad when the transfer window reopens.

Rice is understood to be among ten Hag’s primary targets, but it may be difficult prising him away from West Ham.

That is because the Hammers have slapped a £150million price tag on the 23-year-old, who has made 194 appearances for his current employers.

West Ham have also shown their insistence in wanting to hold onto Rice by offering an eight-year contract worth £200,000-per-week.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are facing an uphill battle in their bid to welcome fellow central midfielder de Jong to Old Trafford as he is keen to remain with Barcelona or, failing that, join a club competing in the Champions League.

Spanish sources have revealed that Barcelona are open to selling the 25-year-old if a bid worth in the region of £85million is tabled.

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Crook believes Manchester United would prefer to sign Rice despite de Jong being on the market for a less lucrative fee.

However, the talkSPORT reporter has warned the Red Devils may have to wait 12 months before pushing ahead with a move for the West Ham man.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT: “I think if they could get Declan Rice, they would probably pay the extra money. But, with no Champions League football, he’s not pushing for that move.

“I would