Manchester United have “asked for more time” to prepare a bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Red Devils remain “outsiders” to sign the England international, who has been the subject of multiple bids from Arsenal and Manchester City so far this summer.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side do have an ace up their sleeve in that they have, at least, two players that the Hammers want in a player swap deal for Rice.

David Moyes is known to be a big fan of Scott McTominay, while he’d be keen on taking Harry Maguire too, although a move for the latter is deemed unlikely due to his high salary.

It means United could still make their own offer for Rice, which includes McTominay, although it is still questionable whether they can match West Ham’s £100m asking price.

Arsenal and City are the frontrunners ahead of United

The Gunners are expected to table a third bid for Rice very soon, having had their last offer of £75m plus £15m in add-ons rejected. City have also had their first proposal of £80m (plus £10m in performance-related bonuses) knocked back.

Reports suggest that Arsenal are still the favourites to secure the 24-year-old’s signature, with manager Mikel Arteta having played a key role in persuading the midfielder that a move to the Emirates is the right one for him.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag would, therefore, have to do a lot of convincing to change Rice’s mind at this stage, and you do feel that the Manchester side have left things a bit late. Unless they can come up with an outstanding offer that West Ham would find hard to refuse in the coming days, you would have to say that a transfer to Old Trafford looks pretty unlikely.