Glen Johnson has claimed that Chelsea and Liverpool are ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Declan Rice.
The 23-year-old is in the midst of another impressive season for West Ham; and has shown with his driving runs into the box that his game is evolving from his previous role as a defensive midfielder.
His rapid development for club and country has inevitably seen the Hammers talisman linked with a move away from east London; to one of the Premier League's top clubs.
Rice came through Chelsea’s academy but was released by the club in 2014 and the England star has been heavily linked a return to the club this summer.
Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested in signing the West Ham midfielder, but Johnson believes that due to the success that Thomas Tuchel’s side and Liverpool have recently enjoyed; they would be a more attractive option for Rice.
"I don't think Manchester United could get anyone better than Declan Rice," he told Bettingodds.com.
"If he was available, I think Chelsea or Liverpool would be in front of them anyway. Those players only come around once. United have got [Donny] van de Beek or whoever and they try to sign all these players in that position for loads of money and it’s just never worked.
"If I was Declan I would be a bit concerned to be honest with you. I’d be thinking Manchester United aren’t the Manchester United of old. There used to be a time when, anytime Manchester United came calling, you go. It was the number one place. Everyone wanted to go. But they don’t have that appeal anymore.
"I don’t think he’d end up there whether they want him or not. But in terms of their business, I think they should just sit tight and wait until the summer and weigh the whole situation up with everybody."
