Earlier, The Daily Mail reporter Joe Bernstein announced that Manchester United would strengthen its interest in Rice, and West Ham United priced him for 100 million pounds. Players are more inclined to join Chelsea, who were supported as a child, but the Blues need to sell Kante before they can bring him in.
In recent days, there has been a sudden increase in transfer rumours about Manchester United, with several new-generation centre-forwards already on their gossip list. But everyone knows that There must be a defensive midfielder in United's key reinforcement positions this summer. First of all, Pogba's contract expires, and according to the current trend, he will most likely drag until the contract expires to become a free agent. At that time, the intervention of giants such as Paris and Real Madrid will make it more difficult for Manchester United to retain Pogba; secondly, even if Pogba stays in the team, Manchester United needs to strengthen in the back position. A midfielder who is stronger defensive and at the same time has the ability to shoot the ball and hold the ball forward is a necessity.
During Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tenure, Rice was United's number one target in this position. But in the summer window last year, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer chose to strengthen the winger and the center-back position first. In addition, Manchester United also need to clear the redundancy of the midfield first to make room for the new midfield.
But in this Race battle, Chelsea's advantage is very clear, that is, the willingness of the players. Rice has been with Chelsea's youth team and now has his childhood friend Mount in the Blues first team. If Tuchel is determined to move up in midfield, Mount will certainly play the role of lobbyist. But, as Joe Bernstein has said, Chelsea need to sell Kante before bringing in Rice.
If it had been a few years ago, Chelsea would certainly not have lacked interest in the giants by putting Kante in the transfer market. But now Kante has reached the age of establishment, his running ability has begun to decline, and injuries have begun to increase. In the past 2 years or so, Kante has suffered as many as 11 injuries, large and small, and the most serious one has been absent for almost 4 months. This season, Kante's attendance continues to decline. So far, he has made just 21 appearances and 15 starts in all competitions. It is on this basis that it is entirely possible for Chelsea to put N'Golo Kante in the transfer market.
But it is not difficult to send Kante away smoothly, in addition to the hidden dangers of injury, his salary belongs to the top salary in the Premier League. After signing a new contract in 2018, Kante became the Blues' highest-paid player with a weekly salary of up to £290,000.
United's needs are rigid, and if Pogba leaves, they can offer Rice a very sincere contract. However, there is another important factor that influences Rice's decision, that is, Champions League qualification. It is no exaggeration to say that Manchester United and Chelsea, who can qualify for the Champions League, who can increase the chances of getting Rice.
But in the face of numerous rumors, West Ham manager Moyes stood up at the right time and poured a basin of cold water. The old Red Devils coach said: "The media has written all kinds of rumors about him, maybe because they have nothing else to write about, and I can't do anything about these reports. But I said it last summer and I think Rice is worth £100 million and that's the lowest price you want to get him. ”
At least £100 million! This figure will certainly break the record for signings in United's history. But United need to reinforce more than one position this summer, and if a £100 million budget is invested in midfield, it will undoubtedly greatly affect the quality of reinforcements at other positions. Will United then choose to retreat and choose other more cost-effective targets? For example, Joan Ameni and Haidara in Leipzig.