Manchester United receive Declan Rice ‘boost’ and Reds issue Paul Pogba transfer ‘request’

Manchester United have long been linked with a move for England international Declan Rice and reports today are suggesting that this summer could be when they finally make their move.

However, they could be in for a battle to land the 23-year old West Ham star with Manchester City and Chelsea both also understood to be chasing the player’s signature.

The Telegraph have claimed that the three Premier League giants have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the midfielder.

Meanwhile, back at Old Trafford, other reports are saying that Paul Pogba has been asked to delay a decision on his future until after the Red Devils have appointed a new head coach.

Here is the latest updates on the Declan Rice and Paul Pogba sagas:

United, City and Chelsea set sights on summer move for Rice

The Telegraph reported this morning that West Ham will now struggle to keep a hold of Rice beyond the summer with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all keen on signing the player.

It is said that the London side’s inactivity in the January transfer window has handed the trio a boost in their pursuit of the England international.

You can read the full article on The Telegraph’s website.

The bookmakers have Chelsea as the favourite to sign Rice before September 3, 2022.

SkyBet, who regularly provide odds on transfer specials, have the Blues priced at 4/1 while Manchester United and Manchester City are both 6/1.

Liverpool are also in the market, priced at 7/1, and Newcastle United are also there as the outsiders at 12/1.

Rice has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium for well over a year now and the current front runners are just some of the big names linked who have been mentioned in the conversation.

Pogba asked to make decision after Man Utd appoint new head coach

Switching to a current United midfielder and reports today have claimed that the Red Devils’ hierarchy have asked Pogba not to make a final decision on his future until after the club have appointed a new head coach.

ESPN claim that sources have told them that the club have asked “wantaway” players including the Frenchman to wait for them to make an appointment with the hope being that the new person in charge will convince Pogba to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

The report also claims that Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek, who both left on loan in the January transfer window, have also been asked by football director John Murtough to wait until a new manager is appointed before deciding where they want to play next season.

PSG and Real Madrid are believed to be keen on signing Pogba while a return to Juventus is also amongst the rumoured destinations for the 28-year old when his contract expires at the end of the current season.

Pogba is another player whose future is being priced up by the bookies with SkyBet having PSG as the favourites at 2/1, Juventus at 3/1 and Real Madrid at 4/1.

Also in the market, at far longer odds, are Newcastle United at 9/1 and Manchester City at 20/1.