Man Utd face Declan Rice blow but midfielder's 'transfer preference' hangs on key exit

Declan Rice is prepared to snub Manchester United 's long-term interest in order to seal a transfer to Chelsea this summer, according to reports.

But the West Ham vice-captain's future hinges on whether the Blues make room for him by selling dual Premier League winner N'Golo Kante.

Irons boss David Moyes has set a nine-figure asking price on Rice, 23, and he is adamant this will only increase as the player goes from strength to strength at the London Stadium.

Rice played a key role for England as they reached the final of Euro 2020 last summer, and he has added a fresh attacking dimension to his game this season.

He remains under contract at West Ham until 2024 and the club have the option to extend his stay for another year.

That is unlikely to put off the Red Devils, who are desperate to sign a central midfielder having failed to strengthen this area last summer or in the January window.

However, in a blow to Ralf Rangnick's side, Rice would prefer to return to Chelsea, where he spent eight years as an academy player before his release in 2014.

That is according to the Daily Mail, which claims the Stamford Bridge side would need to find space for Rice in the squad by offloading Kante.

The Frenchman has been the standout player in his position over the last six seasons but will turn 31 in March.

Chelsea have a wealth of options in central midfield including Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic, but Thomas Tuchel may decide the time is right to freshen things up.

Kante will have 12 months remaining on his contract this summer and has struggled with injuries this season, limiting him to 11 starts in the Premier League.

Chelsea's interest in Rice dates back to Frank Lampard's time as manager and a return to West London