Man Utd ‘include winger in two-player swap deal proposal’ for Declan Rice

Manchester United have reportedly told West Ham they would be prepared to offer Harry Maguire and Anthony Elanga plus cash in a swap deal package for Declan Rice. After weeks of speculation and two rejected bids from frontrunners Arsenal, the race for the Hammers captain is now beginning to intensify as Manchester City and Manchester United threaten to enter the running for the England international’s signature.

The UEFA Conference League winners are thought to be holding out for £100million for their skipper but now United are seemingly willing to offer the Hammers players in exchange for the defensive midfielder.

The Mail are reporting that United have launched an initial swap deal enquiry during talks with the Hammers in which they floated the idea of paying £40m cash plus Maguire and Elanga.

Earlier this week it had been speculated that United were willing to offer Scott McTominay alongside Maguire and cash to try and get the deal done which arguably may have been of greater appeal.

David Moyes is thought to be an admirer of Scottish international midfielder McTominay, who would also help West Ham fill the void left behind by the indispensable Rice once he seals his departure.

But now it seems as though Swedish attacker Elanga could be used as makeweight although it’s currently unclear whether he would be of interest to the Irons.

United have struggled to shift Elanga in recent transfer windows despite interest from Everton, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.

Although he was once highly-rated at Old Trafford, his development has stalled this season and with Erik ten Hag eyeing further attacking reinforcements, it has been made clear that he is available for transfer.

West Ham are believed to be open to the idea of signing Maguire, who is free to leave Old Trafford for the right price this summer.

The experienced England defender is likely to be stripped of the captaincy if he stays at Old Trafford having lost his place in the United side to Lisandro Martinez.

West Ham are thought to strongly favour a straight-cash deal for Rice as they seek to reinvest that money on a number of new arrivals.

Arsenal are currently closest to matching their £100m valuation after recently offering £90m including add-ons.

The Gunners saw their opening bid rejected for Rice last week but returned to the table on Tuesday with a new offer that was also quickly rebuffed.

Rice is keen to join Mikel Arteta’s project as he patiently awaits for the clubs to agree a deal.

Yet if Arsenal do not move to wrap up negotiations quickly – the door could be open for both Man City or United to pounce.

City are now probing and are highly anticipated to make a bid after captain Ilkay Gundogan agreed to join Barcelona on a free transfer.

Gundogan had been carefully considering a contract extension at City amid further interest in Arsenal but he will now join Barca when his current deal at the Etihad Stadium expires at the end of the month.