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Man Utd prepared to offer West Ham two players to beat Man City to Declan Rice transfer

Manchester United are looking to sweeten a potential deal for Declan Rice by using two first-team stars in a players-plus-cash offer to West Ham, according to reports

Manchester United are reportedly willing to offer up both Harry Maguire and Anthony Elanga as makeweights in a 40million deal for Declan Rice.

The Red Devils are keen to rival Arsenal and Manchester City in the battle for Rice's signature, which is intensifying by the day. They've not got the financial resources to compete just with cash, however.

As a result, Old Trafford chiefs are considering offering West Ham not one, but two players as well as the sum of 40m, according to the Daily Mail.

Maguire doesn't feature in Erik ten Hag's plans and is therefore up for sale this summer, while Elanga has found first-team opportunities hard to come by since the Dutchman's arrival.

READ MORE: Man City making 100m bid for Declan Rice - which could see Treble winner join West Ham

United are said to have enquired about Rice but remain outsiders in the race, which looked to be led by Arsenal before City emerged as contenders on Thursday (June 22).

The Gunners have had two bids rejected, the latest being an up-front fee of 75m with a further 15m in add-ons over the next five years.

Where do you think Rice should go? Let us know in the comments section.

[Declan Rice of England]

Declan Rice has three sides fighting over him(Image: Getty Images)

West Ham are holding out for at least 100m for their England international, a sum which could be more achievable for City following their money-making Treble success.

United have so far focused their transfer efforts on signing Mason Mount from Chelsea. They had a bid worth up to 50m knocked back this week.

[Anthony Elanga of Manchester United is consoled by Harry Maguire, Fred and Phil Jones]

Man Utd want to offer Anthony Elanga and Harry Maguire as makeweights for Rice, it's been claimed(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

A final offer in excess of 55m is set to be made, after which they're likely to walk away from negotiations - which could leave them with the funds to challenge for Rice.

A previous report from The Telegraph suggested Scott McTominay may also be offered to West Ham alongside Maguire, which was claimed to be an appealing prospect.

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