Manchester United could offer Jesse Lingard in part-exchange for Declan Rice

Declan Rice has spoken to two of his England colleagues as he considers a move to Manchester United, according to reports.

The West Ham midfielder has been linked with a move away from his current club for a couple of years, and was believed that he was close to a transfer to Chelsea last year when Frank Lampard was manager of the club. The arrival of Thomas Tuchel appears to have dampened speculation that the Blues are keen on the 22-year-old England international.

The Manchester Evening News reports that he spoken to fellow England internationals Harry Maguire and Luke about a potential move, with the summer transfer now on the horizon, amid growing suggestions that Rice is wanted by United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to bolster his midfield options at Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford and Dean Henderson were in the squad as well, but Rice spoke to Maguire and Shaw, reports the MEN.

Rice has been part of a West Ham side that has started a challenge for a Champions League spot this season under former United manager David Moyes, with the Scot keen to keep the player unless a huge offer comes in.

One thing in United’s favour should they attempt to prise Rice away from the London Stadium is the success of Jesse Lingard in his loan spell with West Ham. The 28-year-old forward has a year left on his current deal with United and while Solskjaer has said he anticipates the player coming back this summer, he has said similar about other players who were duly sold.

West Ham want to keep him on a permanent deal and that means United could offer him in part-exchange for Rice.

United could lose Paul Pogba this summer if he does not sign a new deal, while Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic could all do with more competition.