Manchester United 'preparing to abandon Declan Rice pursuit'

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to end their pursuit of Declan Rice, with the Red Devils now looking at alternatives to the West Ham United midfielder.

The England international was linked with a move away from the London Stadium over the summer, but the transfer window closed with the midfielder still at West Ham.

Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be a huge admirer of the 22-year-old, who impressed for Gareth Southgate's side at this summer's European Championship.

However, according to ESPN, scouts at Old Trafford are now looking at alternatives to Rice, who has seemingly been priced out of a move to the 20-time English champions.

The report claims that senior figures at Man United are unsure whether the Englishman has the ability to 'take the team to another level', while the Red Devils are not prepared to meet West Ham's asking price, which is believed to be in the region of £90m.

As a result, Solskjaer's side are now identifying other central midfielders that could be targeted when next summer's transfer window opens for business.

Rice - also been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City - has scored once and provided one assist in six appearances for the Hammers during the 2021-22 campaign.