Manchester United's recruitment team are reportedly split over whether it is worth pursuing a deal for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.
The 24-year-old is expected to depart the London Stadium in search of Champions League football before he enters the final year of his contract with David Moyes's side.
West Ham have frequently insisted in the past that Rice is not for sale, but Moyes has now conceded that there is a "good chance" his team will lose the England international.
Even though the former Chelsea product can walk away on a free transfer in 2024, West Ham are still thought to be holding out for a fee of £100m to let him depart in the coming weeks.
Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Man United have all been heavily linked with a move for Rice ahead of the 2023-24 season, and the Gunners are believed to be at the head of the queue.
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However, West Ham apparently expect Man United to meet their nine-figure asking price before Arsenal, whose opening proposal - which will be tabled after Wednesday's Europa Conference League final - is expected to fall short.
The Red Devils are also working on acquisitions up front and in defence, though, and The Athletic reports that club staff have not been able to reach a unanimous decision on whether to pursue Rice.
The report claims that West Ham's previous stance on a sale had led to doubts creeping in, and there is currently no indication that the recruitment team have had a change of heart.
West Ham's £100m asking price and Erik ten Hag's demand for a new striker and goalkeeper are also thought to be factors in Man United's decision-making, but they will continue to monitor developments closely.
Rice is believed to have agreed personal terms with Arsenal, but the Gunners will not make their move until after the Hammers' continental final with Fiorentina, and Bayern are still lurking in the background.
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Rice left Chelsea's academy 10 years ago to join the youth ranks at West Ham, and the midfielder has since come up with 15 goals and 13 assists in 244 matches for the Hammers in all tournaments.
The 24-year-old has netted five goals and set up four more in 49 appearances during the current campaign, but he is thought to have turned down as many as three offers of a new contract from West Ham.
Man United bolstered their midfield ranks with the signings of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen last summer, while Marcel Sabitzer endured a hit-and-miss six-month loan spell from Bayern Munich.
The Austrian is not expected to join the Red Devils on a permanent deal, while there are also doubts over the futures of Fred and Scott McTominay, both of whom fell down the pecking order this season.
Chelsea's Mason Mount would be a cheaper alternative to Rice for Man United, and they are rumoured to be lining up a £50m offer for the playmaker, who is also out of contract in 2024.
Ben Knapton
