Manchester United have reignited their interest in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
According to The Mirror, a potential swap deal including Jesse Lingard going the other way is on the cards.
The Red Devils have strengthened two important positions by signing Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane this summer.
However, they need to improve their central midfield options, with Fred and Scott McTominay a flawed partnership.
United were previously linked with Rice, but West Ham’s £100 million put them off.
They may now return for Rice, with Lingard a possible option as a makeweight in the deal.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Ham in the second half of last season, helping the club qualify for the Europa League.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said he has a future at United, but Lingard is open to leaving if he is not guaranteed first-team football.
Rice has refused to sign a new deal at West Ham as he is keen to play for a club in the Champions League.
It is unclear whether the Hammers are willing to reduce their asking price, but the opportunity to sign Lingard could be tempting.
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United could benefit massively from the addition of Rice to their midfield options.
The 22-year-old has the talent to be the best defensive midfielder of his generation.
With Lingard unlikely to feature regularly when Marcus Rashford returns to action, it makes sense to move him on.
The swap deal would benefit both parties as Rice wants to join a bigger club, and Lingard is keen to play first-team football.
If West Ham are willing to agree to a player-plus-cash deal, it would be a major boost to the Red Devils’ title hopes.
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