Manchester United’s money men have reportedly given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the green light to launch a bid to sign Declan Rice.
The West Ham midfielder has long been on the United manager’s shopping list, despite his £90m valuations.
And after a big summer of spending, United was reportedly set to keep their powder dry in January.
However, the Daily Express claims an official approach for Rice now looks set to get the go-ahead.
And they claim a summer move would have been given the go-ahead had they known what to expect from Paul Pogba.
However, the French star now looks poised to sign a new deal to keep him at United.
And since they no longer need to finance a deal for a replacement, a move for Rice will be launched.
The Hammers are reluctant to sell the England man, but an offer of £90m will prove impossible to resist.
Despite that, it’s not all plain sailing for United who will have to sell two stars of their own to make room for Rice.
As per the paper, they will look to move on Donny van de Beek and Nemanja Matic in January.
Van de Beek has struggled badly since a £36m move to Old Trafford in summer 2020. And his agent admits they are already “studying an exit plan” ahead of the winter window.
Despite his lack of impact, United will hope to get close to £20m for the Dutchman.
As for Matic, the veteran midfielder has been phased out of the first-team picture.
Now 33, United could only expect a nominal fee for the Serb.
But getting his high salary off the wage bill will free up funds to help finance the move for Rice