Erik ten Hag 'makes Declan Rice his number one summer target'

The 24-year-old has again been in impressive form for the Hammers during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 44 occasions in all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists in the process.

West Ham have the option to extend Rice's contract from June 2024 to June 2025, but he is widely expected to leave David Moyes's side this summer in a big-money deal.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool continue to be credited with an interest in the England international, who has represented the Hammers on 239 occasions in all competitions.

However, according to The Sun, there is also genuine interest from Man United, with the club's head coach Ten Hag desperate for his side to complete a move during the upcoming market.

The report claims that Ten Hag 'has always been an admirer', but Rice's performance against the Red Devils in Sunday's Premier League clash at the London Stadium saw him 'rocket to the top' of the summer shortlist.

The team's coaching staff were allegedly 'all talking about' Rice after the match, viewing him as a player capable of playing a key role for the club in the years to come.

A howler from David de Gea saw the Hammers beat Man United last time out, with the goalkeeper allowing a tame strike from Said Benrahma to squirm past him.

Ten Hag's side remain course to qualify for next season's Champions League, though, sitting one point ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool in the table, still with a game in hand on the Reds.

Man United are allegedly hopeful that Rice's close relationship with Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford could convince him to turn down interest from elsewhere in order to make the move to Old Trafford.

West Ham are believed to be prepared to let their captain leave during this summer's transfer window, providing that they receive an offer in the region of £100m.

The London club's ability to extend the midfielder's contract to the summer of 2025 has placed them in a strong position when it comes to negotiations with other clubs.

Man United signed both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen last year to boost their midfield, but Scott McTominay could leave this summer, while Fred has also struggled to impress in the second half of the season.

Ten Hag's side will be bidding to bounce back from successive losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and West Ham when they continue their league season at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.