Transfer insider says "special" £60k-p/w Man United target would be "perfect fit" next to Fred

Manchester United ace Fred could find the ‘perfect’ central midfield partner if incoming boss Erik ten Hag succeeds in welcoming West Ham United star Declan Rice to Old Trafford this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Ten Hag has been appointed as the Red Devils’ new manager, with him taking charge from the end of the season, and it appears the Dutchman will look to bolster the squad he inherits from interim chief Ralf Rangnick.

With the opening of the transfer window and ten Hag’s official arrival just a matter of weeks away, it is understood that Rice features high on the Dutchman’s list of summer targets.

Manchester United’s hopes of being able to lure the 23-year-old away from the London Stadium have seemingly been boosted as he has rejected a third contract offer from West Ham and is open to sealing a switch ahead of next season.

Hammers boss David Moyes has attempted to deter suitors from strengthening their interest by insisting he has no intention of allowing Rice to depart and slapping a £150million price tag on the midfielder.

West Ham are in a strong negotiating position as Rice’s £60,000-per-week contract still has more than two years remaining and the east Londoners also hold an option of extending the agreement by 12 months, meaning they are not in an immediate rush to cash-in.

Manchester United are not the Hammers ace’s only admirers as Manchester City have joined the battle for his signature, but it is thought that Rice would prefer to head back to former club Chelsea if he were to move onto pastures new.

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Jones believes Rice would be the ideal central midfield partner for Fred, who has been on