Manchester United hoping to beat Arsenal to signing of Premier League star

Manchester United will be hoping to return to winning ways when they face Wolves on Saturday. 

A fortnight ago the Red Devils were in a commanding position in the race for a place in the Premier League’s top four, but back-to-back defeats have allowed fifth-placed Liverpool to close in.

The defeats – against Brighton and Hove Albion and West Ham United – have allowed the Reds to move to just a single point behind their rivals, although United do have a game in hand.

It appears that United are already planning ahead for the upcoming summer transfer window, and it has now been reported that the Manchester club are hoping to complete a sensational move for a Premier League star.

According to The Guardian, the Red Devils are hoping to beat rivals Arsenal to the signing of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.

Rice, 24, has established himself as one of Europe’s best central midfielders in recent seasons.

The England international has made 240 appearances for the Hammers across all competitions, and succeeded Mark Noble as the club’s captain at the start of the current campaign.

Rice has attracted interest from a number of clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal

He has been heavily linked with a move away from The London Stadium, though, and manager David Moyes recently revealed that he could leave the club this summer.

The report claims, though, that Arsenal is still Rice’s most likely destination, with the Gunners having laid the groundwork for an offer to be made.

Rice is said to be keen on the idea of working with Arteta, although the north London outfit could be put off by West Ham’s asking price for the midfielder, which is believed to be at least £100 million.

This season, the Englishman has made 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing the same number of assists.

United are set to be in the market for a new central midfielder, with both Fred and Scott McTominay potentially set to leave the club this summer.

The pair have both struggled for game time since the arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen last summer, and could be allowed to leave when the transfer window reopens.