PL rivals touted to sign key Chelsea target after another match-winning display

Manchester United touted to sign Declan Rice amidst Chelsea interest

According to The Mirror, Tony Cascariono believes Chelsea target Declan Rice could end up at Manchester United.

The 21-year-old has turned into a pivotal player for David Moyes’ West Ham United side. The Hammers have been in excellent form and are currently sixth in the Premier League table.

A major reason for their newfound success is the solidity provided by Rice in the middle of the park. He was at it once again as West Ham downed Leeds United 3-0 this weekend.

As a team who played Marcelo Biela’s side recently, we can attribute to how dogged they are as opponents. Shackling their energetic midfield is no easy task and Rice matched up against Kalvin Phillips with ease.

His performance was such that it left Cascarino spellbound. So much so that he expects the player to end up at United.

“He just stunk of a Manchester United signing to me. I was sat there thinking, ‘Wow’.”

Cascarino’s comments are surprising considering we are the team that have been heavily linked with securing Rice’s signature. United have been linked with the player in the past, but this is the first time that we have seen them spoken of in the same breath in a while.

A woman with a plan!

Chelsea meanwhile appear to be hatching their own plan to land the player. Marina Granovskia was reported to be keen on selling Kepa Arrizabalaga and Antonio Rudiger to fund a move for Rice.

Chelsea for their part have benefitted greatly from signing Thiago Silva in the summer. At 36, the Brazilian ace is never going to be a long-term solution. Chelsea view Rice as the ideal player to succeed Silva as the club’s defensive lynchpin. (h/t The Express)

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A move to Chelsea could see Rice replace a man he looks up to. The West Ham star had earlier admitted to looking up to Blues ace N’Golo Kante for inspiration. (h/t The Times)

It was reported earlier that the Blues are keen to hold onto Kante until 2022. This should give Rice enough time to hone his skills better and prepare himself if we do come calling.