Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could hand transfer boost to Manchester United in the race for Declan Rice
According to the Evening Standard, Manchester United could receive a transfer boost in their pursuit of West Ham United star Declan Rice from an unlikely source in Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
United need midfield reinforcements in the summer, with their current options in the middle of the park proving to be underwhelming this season. In fact, the midfield has cried out for more quality over the past few years, but the club has failed to address this issue.
The Red Devils are said to have eyed Rice as a potential signing to add to their midfield ranks, but the Hammers star may be in huge demand at the end of the season. Many top clubs will be chasing his signature in the summer, including Chelsea, who are said to have a long-standing interest in Rice.
Now, it is said that Chelsea may pull out of the race for Rice as Tuchel wants to include Conor Gallagher into the Blues first-team squad. The Cobham graduate is currently on loan at Crystal Palace, but the Chelsea manager is said to have plans to integrate him into his senior squad next season.
Gallagher option for Tuchel
The Chelsea loanee is having an impressive season for the Eagles, with Gallagher being one of the Premier League’s brightest young stars. He has been a regular for the London club this term, establishing himself as a first-team regular and chipping in with a few goals for the club.
All this has convinced Tuchel that the 22-year-old is ready to compete for a regular first-team role next season when he returns to Chelsea. If that is the case, the Stamford Bridge side may not pursue Rice in the summer to bolster their squad.
Gallagher’s great form for Crystal Palace this season may prove to be a blessing for United, if this claim is to be believed. The Chelsea loanee has done enough to convince Tuchel to procure a role in his team next season, and this may just put United in the driving seat for Rice in the summer.
United fans have been crying out for a defensive midfielder for a while now, and Rice is arguably one of the best in the business in the role in the English top-flight. The West Ham man has been hugely impressive for David Moyes’ side, leading the team in the absence of the ageing Mark Noble.
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Our midfield has looked shaky and unstable throughout the season, leaking in goals due to a lack of solidity in the middle of the park. In Rice, we would be getting an experienced England international and Premier League veteran, despite the player only being 23-years-old.
West Ham are sure to try and hold on to their stand-in skipper ahead of the new campaign, so United will need to open the chequebook to snap up the midfielder. With Chelsea said to be out of the race for Rice, we could very well be at the forefront to sign the player due to our financial might.
