Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'planning Lingard, Rice swap deal'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 08 April 2021

Man United 'planning Lingard, Rice swap deal'

Manchester United reportedly explore a swap deal with West Ham United involving Declan Rice and Jesse Lingard, but the Hammers are reluctant to let Rice leave.

Manchester United are reportedly exploring the feasibility of a swap deal involving Jesse Lingard and Declan Rice with West Ham United.

Lingard has played a key role in West Ham's charge for a top-four finish since his loan move from Old Trafford in January, bagging six goals and four assists in eight Premier League appearances for David Moyes's team.

A source at the club has affirmed that West Ham will do "whatever it takes" to sign the England international permanently, and Man United are understood to have slapped a £30m price tag on his head.

However, The Athletic reports that the Red Devils could instead go down a different route, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a keen admirer of Rice and would be interested in striking a swap deal for Lingard's international teammate.

West Ham manager Moyes has affirmed that he would expect a nine-figure sum for Rice, though, which suggests that United would still have to fork out a hefty amount of money, even if the inclusion of Lingard does drive the price down.

Rice was an ever-present lynchpin in the Hammers' midfield before sustaining a knee injury, but the 22-year-old will hope to return in time for this summer's European Championships.