Ten Hag warned over over Declan Rice transfer pursuit for Man United

Erik ten Hag should only splash out £100million on Declan Rice if he sees him as a key figure for Manchester United as part of his rebuild. That is the warning from ex-United midfielder Kleberson as speculation over Rice and his West Ham future continues to mount.

As attentions turn to the upcoming window, Manchester Evening News understood Rice was viewed as a priority target to bolster the engine room. However, since ten Hag was appointed, Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has also emerged as a potential signing with framework in place to pursue Leeds talisman Kalvin Phillips.

Interest in those three players offers a clear indication where United most want to strengthen. Ten Hag will seek to recruit in other positions, though, including at centre-back where Ajax starlet Jurrien Timber has been tipped as one man to follow the inbound manager from Amsterdam.

READ MORE: Jurrien Timber has delivered Erik ten Hag verdict amid Manchester United transfer links

Rice has developed as one of the stand-out holding midfielders in Europe over the last 18 months and has become noted for his leadership skills at West Ham and within the England dressing room. But will that be enough to tempt ten Hag into breaking the nine-figure barrier for his signature?

Speaking to GOAL, Kleberson said: “Whether Declan Rice is worth £100million depends on how Erik ten Hag wants to play. Declan Rice is a good player and can help Manchester United to make better decisions in most areas, but it all depends on how the new manager uses him.

“He’s not a big signing but more of a project and he would fit in well at United. It might take a bit of time for him to settle, but the more minutes he gets, he can help Manchester United.”

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