Sources: Man Utd plotting move for 'dynamic' colossus who has been likened to Roy Keane - report

According to ESPN, Manchester United are emerging as the favourites to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice. 

The 23-year-old has quickly become one of the hottest properties in European football following a rapid rise to prominence for both club and country.

Having left the acclaimed Chelsea academy to join West Ham in 2013, Rice has become an established member of David Moyes’ side, and also for Gareth Southgate at international level following a switch of allegiances from the Republic of Ireland.

With interest previously mooted from Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool, a fresh update has suggested that Old Trafford could be the most likely destination for the midfielder…

As per ESPN sources, the Red Devils could have a ‘clear run’ at the 29-cap England star this summer.

The report states that United want Rice to become a ‘modern-day version’ of Paul Ince and will look to snap up the enforcer at the end of the season.

It’s also claimed that incoming manager Erik ten Hag will view the man likened to United legend Roy Keane by Stuart Pearce – who also called the 23-year-old “dynamic” – as a ‘statement signing’ as the Dutchman attempts to stamp his authority on the Premier League.

With United set to wave goodbye to Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, there are certainly spaces to be filled in the Old Trafford squad.

Despite a lofty £150m price tag handed down by Moyes, Rice could be worth the investment in the long run owing to his tender years and already top-class productivity.

So far this season, the powerful midfielder has earned an outstanding 7.17 average Sofascore rating whilst boasting a 92% passing accuracy and winning five duels and 2.1 tackles per game in the Premier League.

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