While West Ham has previously insisted that Rice is not for sale, Moyes has now acknowledged that there is a "good chance" the England international will leave. Despite the possibility of Rice departing on a free transfer in 2024, West Ham is still holding out for a substantial fee of £100m to allow his departure in the coming weeks.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for Rice ahead of the 2023-24 season, with Arsenal reportedly leading the race. However, West Ham expects Manchester United to meet their nine-figure asking price ahead of Arsenal, whose initial proposal is anticipated to fall short and will be presented after the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.
While Manchester United is actively working on strengthening their attack and defense, The Athletic reports that the club's staff has not reached a unanimous decision on whether to pursue Rice. The previous reluctance of West Ham to sell has raised doubts, and there is currently no indication of a change of heart from the recruitment team.
Other factors influencing Manchester United's decision-making include West Ham's £100m asking price and manager Erik ten Hag's demand for a new striker and goalkeeper. However, they will closely monitor the developments surrounding Rice.
It is believed that Rice has agreed to personal terms with Arsenal, but the Gunners will not make their move until after West Ham's continental final against Fiorentina. Bayern Munich remains a lurking presence in the background as well. Rice left Chelsea's academy 10 years ago to join the youth ranks at West Ham, and since then, he has contributed 15 goals and 13 assists in 244 matches for the Hammers across all competitions. In the current campaign, he has scored five goals and provided four assists in 49 appearances. Despite West Ham offering him multiple contract extensions, Rice has reportedly turned down three of them.
Manchester United strengthened their midfield options last summer with the signings of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. However, Eriksen's loan spell from Bayern Munich was inconsistent, and it is unlikely that he will join the Red Devils permanently. There are also doubts about the futures of Fred and Scott McTominay, both of whom have fallen down the pecking order this season.
As an alternative to Rice, Chelsea's Mason Mount is rumored to be a cheaper option for Manchester United, with reports suggesting a potential £50m offer for the talented playmaker, who is also out of contract in 2024. Manchester United will continue to evaluate their options and make decisions based on their long-term plans and the ongoing developments in the transfer market.
