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Transfer News: Man United looking for a stellar swap deal involving rejuvenated loanee

Declan Rice in action for West Ham United. (GETTY Images)
Declan Rice in action for West Ham United. (GETTY Images)

Manchester United considering Declan Rice – Jesse Lingard swap deal

According to The Athletic (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United are exploring the possibility of swapping Jesse Lingard for West Ham United star Declan Rice in the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils star has seen his stock rise following an impressive loan spell with the Hammers. Untied are now seeking to leverage that to their advantage.

West Ham does not have a clause in their loan deal for Lingard to make the move permanent. David Moyes is, however, determined to make the 28-year-old a new home in London.

Manchester United considering Declan Rice- Jesse Lingard swap deal
Manchester United considering Declan Rice- Jesse Lingard swap deal

Lingard’s contract at United runs until the end of next summer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to strike while the iron is hot and sell Lingard when his stock is at a high.

The 28-year-old was at best a bit-part player under the Norwegian at Old Trafford. Whether it is Solskjaer’s inability to get the best out of him or Moyes’ experience, Lingard is a different beast at West Ham.

The player, for his part, has not ruled out a return to the Theatre of Dreams. But whether it entails being involved in first-team football is debatable.

Lingard's contract with United expires in 2022
Solskjaer has been unable to get the best out of Lingard

With Nemanja Matic not getting any younger, Rice is seen as a long-term alternative to the veteran Serbian. More so the West Ham man’s ability to also fill in at centre-back makes him an attractive proposition.

The Hammers are unlikely to let Rice go on the cheap and a top-four finish will just strengthen their hand. What United decide to offer remains to be seen.

More Manchester United News

It was recently reported that West Ham are willing to do ‘what it takes’ to sign Lingard permanently. It will be a welcome surprise if they are ready to let go of Rice to achieve that.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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