Declan Rice's future is certain to be one of the hot topics on the agenda yet again at the end of the season. Last summer, the future of the West Ham United midfielder dominated the headlines, with Chelsea expressing a clear interest in their former academy player.
football.london understands that Rice has been a long-term target for Chelsea, who have been following his development at West Ham very closely. The Blues, though, aren't the only side interested in the 23-year-old, with plenty of different media outlets reporting that both Manchester City and Manchester United are huge admirers of the England international.
There could be a chance, though, as per a report from ESPN, that Man United are given a 'clear run' at signing Rice this summer. The Manchester-based club apparently see the summer transfer window as a 'one-off chance' to sign Rice.
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The report says that Man City have their attention on signing a world-class central striker, with Erling Haaland looking increasingly likely to move to the Etihad Stadium. Meanwhile, Chelsea may prioritise defensive signings, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen set to depart. Of course, there's the small matter of the ownership situation hampering the Blues at the time of writing.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, who have been linked with Rice, has their eyes set on Jude Bellingham. However, a move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder is likely to be in the summer of 2023.
So, it could well be a free run at Rice for United, but with the Manchester-based outfit looking set to miss out on a place in the top four, would the West Ham midfielder want to make a move to Old Trafford? There is, of course, the potential appeal of Erik ten Hag starting a new project there at the start of next season.
Ten Hag is one of the most highly regarded coaches in European football, but there is no guarantee that he will be able to turn United's fortunes around. Many have tried, and many have failed. Rice could go to United and become one of the highest earners in the Premier League, but there is no assurance that he will become a winner there.
Equally, there is no guarantee that success will come at Chelsea, but given his past association with the west London club, it would come as no shock if that is the midfielder's preferred destination. With constant rumours regarding N'Golo Kante and Jorginho's future at the club, Rice would be a perfect long-term replacement for either of them.
He is, however, determined not to get "too carried away" with the regular speculation over where his future lies. Instead, he is focusing on helping his West Ham team on the pitch, with a huge Europa League semi-final second-leg with Frankfurt coming up later in the week.
"I feel like playing well comes with speculation," Rice said in an interview with Sky Sports recently. "I've had two or three top seasons with West Ham, and the top clubs around the country are always going to be watching. It's not just me, it's the same for every player.
"I think it's important not to get too carried away with that. We've had a good season with West Ham, and there have been big games I've had to play in, so I feel like my focus has always been on that. If I thought about other things, I'd get carried away, and that wouldn't be fair on the team or the manager.
"I can't help speculation, even with the numbers that get talked about. I get battered for it all the time on social media, but I can't help that. I can help by going on the pitch and performing as best as I can."
