West Ham set Declan Rice price tag to ward off Man Utd and Man City transfer interest

West Ham United are set to slap a British record £100million price tag on the head of Declan Rice in a bid to price him out of a move to Manchester United.

United have been interested in Rice, who still has four years to run on his contract, for the last year but failed to tempt the Hammers into selling last summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was set to revive his interest in the England international in January, especially with Paul Pogba expected to make another bid to leave Old Trafford.

But the Hammers don’t want to sell Rice, who they see as their most prized asset, and are ready to try and price him out of any potential move.

They also have the added advantage that Rice is happy in east London and isn’t pushing for a move to the fallen Premier League giants.

Premier League champions Manchester City have also been keeping close tabs on him but Manuel Pellegrini’s outfit are digging their heels in. 

Solskjaer has also got Leicester City’s James Maddison on his wanted list and could now decide that he is a better option and focus on trying to sign him instead.

Former United defender Gary Pallister thinks Maddison would be an excellent option for the Red Devils.

“There was a lot of talk about him in the press,” the ex-centre-back told BonusCodeBets.

“He stood out in the game against Tottenham, he’s got a lot of quality and energy – and he obviously scored the winner.

“He’s the type of player who can take Man Utd to the next level. 

“However, Ole needs to try his best for now to squeeze the best out of the squad he has for the next few months.”

Meanwhile Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has urged Solskjaer to be more forceful for the winter window.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Carragher claimed that the Norwegian has to make the most of January because it might be the last window 

He said: “It may not be in his nature, but that is why it has reached the stage where it would be wise of Solskjaer to help himself more by putting pressure on those above to make more signings during the January transfer window as he may not be in charge for another one.

“He should also take a firm decision by immediately appointing Harry Maguire captain. 

“He can be empowered to take such big decisions by his popularity. 

“Such is the admiration for Solskjaer, when Woodward announced this week he will be given time there was no outpouring of discontent from United’s fans as they believe the bigger problems lie elsewhere within the club.”

source: express.co.uk