Paul Merson tells Manchester United to 'break the bank' to complete Declan Rice transfer

Former Arsenal and England midfielder Paul Merson has called on Manchester United to "break the bank" in order sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The England international, as reported by the Manchester Evening News back in September, is a concrete target for the Reds this coming summer, as they look to strengthen their holding midfield options, and the club has already discussed the framework for how a deal to lure him to Old Trafford could be constructed.

United's need for a world-class defensive-midfielder has grown stronger and stronger this season and it is a position they wanted to strengthen in January. However, despite links with several other options, no deal ever came to fruition.

Therefore, the Reds are expected to pursue a deal for Rice ahead of the start of next season, despite the Hammers valuing him at around the £100million mark.

Nevertheless, Merson, who is a big fan of Rice's talents, has urged the Reds to spend whatever is necessary to secure his signature.

Merson told Sky Sports : "I think Declan Rice will be gone this summer. I think it will be Man United, if you're Man United you've got to break the bank.

"If you look at their midfield it is not strong enough, they don't dominate football matches and for me, they have to go and get him.

"I think he is the best in the business, he has improved immensely, he has taken his game up not one or two, I think he has taken it up ten-fold.

"From a holding midfield player, he is bombing forward, scoring goals, getting chances, and making goals. I can't talk highly enough of the lad, I think he's been absolutely phenomenal.

"Chelsea could go and get him but they could do without him. They've still got Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, N'Golo