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Manchester United 'to struggle to sign both Mason Mount, Declan Rice'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 05 June 2023

Man United 'to struggle to sign both Mount, Rice'

Manchester United will reportedly struggle to sign both Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

Manchester United are allegedly unlikely to sign each of Mason Mount and Declan Rice this summer.

In Erik ten Hag's first season in charge, United can claim to have been successful, combining a third-placed finish in the Premier League with victory in the EFL Cup.

There was disappointment on Saturday as the Red Devils fell short in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, yet Ten Hag will quickly want to focus on strengthening his squad.

As it stands, it is unclear what level of funds that the Dutchman will have at his disposal courtesy of the club going through a prolonged takeover process.

Nevertheless, it has been widely reported that United are interested in signing Chelsea's Mount, West Ham United's Rice and Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.

Mason Mount celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Aston Villa on October 16, 2022 © Reuters

Of the three, Mount is most likely to arrive at Old Trafford, the playmaker seemingly having already agreed personal terms ahead of the two clubs attempting to negotiate a fee.

However, according to the Daily Mail, United are not optimistic about bringing each of the two England internationals - the other being Rice - to the Theatre of Dreams.

The report claims that the double signing is viewed as 'difficult' at a time when they also want to sign a new goalkeeper and central defender.

Although Chelsea are said to be demanding £85m for Mount, United are expected to insist on a fee between £50m and £60m due to the player having just over a year left on his contract.

West Ham United's Declan Rice celebrates scoring their first goal on May 21, 2023 © Reuters

Rice will cost considerably in excess of that figure and it is plausible that United would need to pay £100m to the Hammers if they cannot negotiate a part-exchange deal.

United may first have to find solutions for some of their available players, such as Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, but there are no signs that any exit for either of the duo is imminent.

The situation regarding Kane is subject to change, yet it has been claimed on more than one occasion that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will not sell the club's all-time leading goalscorer to a Premier League rival.

United faced having a free run at Kane's signature until Karim Benzema opted to leave Real Madrid, Los Blancos now assessing whether to try to sign the £100m-rated 29-year-old.