Manchester United target Declan Rice

Manchester United have Declan Rice in their list of transfer targets, according a report in the Mirror.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to strengthen his squad after qualifying in the Champions League, and the paper suggests that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is ready to back the Norwegian in the transfer market after he secured third place last weekend.

In order to raise funds, several players could be sold. Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira, Chris Smalling and Alexis Sanchez are all on the chopping block with Rojo, Smalling and Sanchez already at other clubs on loan, though they are yet to join other clubs on a permanent deal.

Jadon Sancho is expected to join from Borussia Dortmund though there is some distance between the transfer fee on offer from United and that which the German side wants, as they are believed to be holding out for £100 million.

Solskjaer also wants to sign a striker to support Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, despite the emergence of Mason Greenwood as an option along the front three.

Jack Grealish is a target for the midfield and would cost around £60 million, with the 24-year-old playmaker able to add support and competition to Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in midfield, and he would also be able to play on the wings.

Solskjaer wants to bring in Rice to add depth to central midfield, despite Nemanja Matic’s improvement in the second half of the season. The manager also wants another partner for Harry Maguire in central defence after a season where Victor Lindelof’s performances have been inconsistent and unreliable.

United’s financial position has been improved by the qualification for the Champions League as it secures them the full £75 million from Adidas, their kit sponsor, and brings in additional broadcast and prize money revenue.