Manchester United push ahead for Declan Rice; Newcastle could take Ross Barkley on loan — reports

Chelsea may be forever linked with former Academy player Declan Rice, but we’re hardly alone in our interest in the England international. And according to the Evening Standard, Manchester United are ready to push on with their interest and “test West Ham’s resolve”.

After losing the UEFA Europa League final, a holding midfielder is on United’s wish-list, and while West Ham remain insistent that Rice is not for sale, especially after their qualification for next season’s Europa League, United are set to try anyways.

Rice himself is said to be happy to stay for at least another year, but United do have some leverage, given West Ham’s interest in keeping United loanee Jesse Lingard as well.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to also make at least a cursory move for Rice, but West Ham’s stance and the 22-year-old’s contract, which runs till 2024, could compel us to look at alternative targets.

On the outgoing side, Ross Barkley is seemingly garnering interest from Newcastle United, as per the Athletic. The 27-year-old will be returning to Chelsea after a disappointing loan stint with Aston Villa, with the Birmingham side deciding against signing him at the end of the season. Newcastle aren’t proposing a transfer either, but are apparently willing to take him on another season-long loan.

Of course, Barkley’s future also depends on how Thomas Tuchel will set up Chelsea next season, as the head coach might want to take a look at him before any final decisions are made.