Manchester United told why they need to make Declan Rice a priority signing in summer

John Barnes has told Manchester United they need to sign Declan Rice this summer – but believes it isn’t the right time for the midfielder to leave West Ham.

Rice is being linked with a move away from the Hammers this summer, with recent reports suggesting he has turned down offers of a new contract to extend his stay at the London Stadium. His current deal runs until 2024, with West Ham also holding the option to extend by a further year.

The 23-year-old has long been of interest to United, who have identified him as a priority target for their midfield. With Nemanja Matic leaving and Paul Pogba looking set to depart this summer, it’s likely to be an area for incoming manager Erik ten Hag to address immediately.

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West Ham are reluctant to let go of their prize asset though, with David Moyes having previously suggested it would take more than £100million to take him off their hands, before raising the asking price to £150million. Moyes has also denied the club are panicking over his future, despite suggestions Rice has turned down three offers of a new deal.

“Declan Rice has to decide for himself where he wants to go,” Liverpool legend Barnes told BonusCodeBets. West Ham are an ambitious club in the top six and pushing for fourth spot, but he must make the decision if he wants to go to a ‘bigger club’.

“It’s not the right time at all for him to move on this summer, because West Ham can fulfil his ambitions.

“Manchester United would suit Declan Rice, because they need his kind of character who will give 100%, has the determination, discipline and desire to run through brick walls. When you’re a top player, any of the top